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Human Rights CommissionMay 19, 2025

April 28, 2025 Draft Minutes original pdf

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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 …

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Parks and Recreation BoardMay 19, 2025

02-1: Nature Play Program Presentation original pdf

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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

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Parks and Recreation BoardMay 19, 2025

08-1: Director's Update, May 2025 original pdf

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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 …

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Design CommissionMay 19, 2025

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Parks and Recreation BoardMay 19, 2025

20250519-003: Lakeshore PUD Amendment original pdf

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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.

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Parks and Recreation BoardMay 19, 2025

20250519-004: 500 S Congress PUD Application original pdf

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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

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Arts CommissionMay 19, 2025

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Arts CommissionMay 19, 2025

Item 03 - ECD Framework - 5.19.25.pdf original pdf

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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

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Arts CommissionMay 19, 2025

Item 04 - Arts Commission Presentation.pdf original pdf

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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?

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Arts CommissionMay 19, 2025

Item 05 - HOT_ Update_5-19-25.pdf original pdf

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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

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Arts CommissionMay 19, 2025

Item 06 - JesusPantel-CAFP-Update_05-19-25.pdf original pdf

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Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Cultural Arts Funding Update May 19, 2025 Agenda 1.Contracts & Payments 2.Cultural Arts Funding Update 3.NEA Update 4.ACME: The Creative Reset 5.Grant Funded Activities Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (As of 5/14/25) FY23 Elevate FY23 Nexus (Fall/Winter) FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 1) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 2) 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%) 198 (99%) 190 (95%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 50 (96%) n/a 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 46 (90%) n/a 36 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) n/a See year 1 N/A N/A 35 (97%) 35 (100%) n/a Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $6,215,000 (99%) $6,250,000 $254,500 (99%) $255,000 $225,500 (88%) $255,000 $3,901,500 (100%) $3,901,500 (100%) $3,901,500 $3,901,500 *Each grant has a different reporting deadline. Final Payments are issued upon successful close out of Final Report. Cultural Arts Funding Updates FY25 Nexus 541 total applicants 105 awards $525,000 awarded Activity Dates Awardee List 23% acceptance rate $2,555,000 requested May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026 454 eligible applicants 87 ineligible applicants (16% ineligible) Nexus 2025 Nexus 2025 Awardees Awardees FY25 Nexus Awardee Details Applicant Type Artistic Discipline • 9 - 501(c) nonprofit organizations (9%) • 16 - creative businesses (15%) • 80 - individual artists (76%) • Arts/Music Therapy – 7 (7%) • Arts Education – 5 (5%) • Dance – 6 (6%) • Design – 2 (2%) • Film/Video/TV – 11 (10%) • Literature/Humanities – 1 (1%) • Media Arts – 4 (4%) • Multidisciplinary – 21 (20%) • Music – 16 (15%) • Theatre – 9 (9%) • Traditional/Cultural Arts – 12 (11%) • Visual Arts – 11 (10%) National Endowment for the Arts Rescission Our Future 35 • Joint project with Transportation and Public Works Department • Submitted appeal • Planning for alternate funds if appeal is unsuccessful FY23 and 24 Cultural Funding recipients • Confirming if NEA award was rescinded • Encouraged appealing the decision • Provided resources • Keeping a pulse on losses for Community Organizations, reporting back to Leadership The Creative Reset ACME Program Funding evaluation is underway Opportunities to Engage in the Process • ACME led Working Group (selected) • Focus Groups • One-on-ones • Meeting-in-a-box • Survey • *Feedback via …

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Arts CommissionMay 19, 2025

Item 08 - AIPP Substandard Streets Project Artist Recommendations.pdf original pdf

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•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 …

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Parks and Recreation BoardMay 19, 2025

02-2: Signed Letters of Support original pdf

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Parks and Recreation BoardMay 19, 2025

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Arts CommissionMay 19, 2025

Recommendation 20250519-010: Recommendation for emergency response funding for arts and culture organizations impacted by federal grant terminations original pdf

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ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250519-010 Date: May 19, 2025 Subject: Recommendation for emergency response funding for arts and culture organizations impacted by federal grant terminations Motioned By: Commissioner Houston Seconded By: Commissioner Schmalbach Recommendation Austin arts and cultural organizations have been deeply and negatively impacted by the recent terminations of previously awarded federal grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Arts Commission recommends the City Council direct staff to determine the extent of the impact on local organizations and to establish an emergency fund to provide budget gap funding to impacted organizations within the next 90 days. Rationale In past two months, federal agencies including the NEA, NEH, and IMLS have terminated or rescinded previously awarded grants to organizations, artists, and scholars across the country. Austin’s organizations have been impacted, though the total extent of the impact has not been fully quantified. The Texas Commission on the Arts has been collecting data from impacted entities across the state and will be an important source of information for assessing the total immediate impact, as well as the potential ripple effects within the arts ecosystem and broader economy. Estimates from Austin Chronicle reporting specifically focused on NEA cuts, and information drawn from publicly accessible NEA databases suggest that more than 20 organizations, including the City of Austin itself, may have had NEA grants terminated. In some cases, terminated grants may have already been fully paid, while in others the termination leaves a large hole in an organization’s budget. In the worst cases, organizations may have incurred unreimbursed expenses on awards, as these grants operate on reimbursement or a maximum 30-day advance request. It will be important for City staff, with information from partners like Texas Commission on the Arts, to help determine the full extent of the damage of these terminations to design an appropriate response. The Arts Commission recommends the establishment of an emergency fund, similar to what was created to support organizations and artists during the Covid19 pandemic. The fund would be open by application to organizations that have been materially impacted by the federal terminations, who could then apply for some relief to mitigate the damage to their operations and, in the worst cases, their sustainability. We also ask the City Council and Mayor to leverage their significant influence to call …

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Library CommissionMay 19, 2025

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1 APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director May 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Greater Austin Book (GAB) Fest 2025 Brings Authors and Community Together The second annual Greater Austin Book (GAB) Fest was held at the Central Library on April 26, bringing together more than 85 authors for a two-day celebration of literature, creativity, and community. The event kicked off on Friday evening with a welcome reception, offering authors a relaxed space to connect, network, and settle in after setting up their tables. Saturday was lively and energetic, with hundreds of attendees exploring every floor of the library, visiting author tables, participating in panel discussions, purchasing books, and engaging in a wide range of literary activities. The event underscored APL’s ongoing commitment to supporting writers and fostering a love of reading across the community. John Gillum Branch Renaming Ceremony The John Gillum Branch renaming ceremony was held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Formerly known as the North Village Branch, the event honored Mr. John Gillum, former Facilities Manager of Austin Public Library. Gillum Branch staff organized an afternoon of activities and festivities to commemorate the occasion. Mr. Gillum was joined by family, friends, former and current council members, Library Administration, and staff in a formal celebration recognizing his lasting contributions to the library system. June 7th: Kids Block Party Austin Public Library will host its annual Kids Block Party on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Central Library. This free, family-friendly event is geared toward children ages 0–12 and their caregivers and will serve as the official launch of the 2025 Summer at Austin Public Library. The event will feature six themed activity blocks, including storytimes, puppet-making, a laser light show, hands-on science, nature-based fun, and a family resource fair. APL Strategic Plan We are continuing the implementation phase of our strategic plan. Currently, we are customizing the tool provided by UT to ensure it aligns with our departmental needs and priorities. As part of this process, we are beginning to populate the tool with feasible, relevant data points. In parallel, we are also collecting qualitative stories from across the department to highlight progress and successes that may not be fully reflected through quantitative metrics alone. These efforts aim to create a more comprehensive and meaningful picture of our advancement toward strategic goals. Special Events Updates In April 2025, …

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Library CommissionMay 19, 2025

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Human Rights CommissionMay 19, 2025

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Arts CommissionMay 19, 2025

Approved Minutes original pdf

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REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION May 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 The ARTS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 19, May 2025 at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioner Houston called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Faiza Kracheni Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla Board Members Absent: Celina Zisman, Muna Hussaini CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Acia Gray - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Muna Hussaini, Celina Zisman, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL • Calder Kamin spoke on their canceled AIPP corridor project • Amanda Johnston from Torch Literary Arts spoke on the positive impact the Thrive grant has had on their organization, and voiced their concerns around the arts working group recommendations that create additional barriers • Stephanie Patrick from Early Era Collective spoke on their history with cultural funding grants and wanted to tell the impact that the Elevate and Thrive grants have had on their organization including increased pay to artists and increased programming. They voiced their concerns around the funding caps and matching requirements in the arts working group recommendations • Margo Sawyer from spoke on their convention center works that was being decommissioned and wanted to request that the ACME pay for half of the cost ($15,000 of the total $30,000) of deinstalling their work • Zac Zulch from Almost Real Things spoke on the positive impact that the Elevate grant has had on their organization and voiced their concern around ACME’s Creative Reset. • Marisa Rivera from SIMS foundation spoke on the positive impact the Elevat grant has had on their organization and voiced their concerns around proposed changes to the existing funding programs. They voiced their for clear transparent process that ____ • Bonnie Cullum from The Vortex voiced their concerns around prioritizing “legacy” organizations when that term hasn’t been defined. They stressed that the organizational growth that was made capable by • Piper Lamoine Ranche Allegre spoke on the need to extend the reservation policy for the Doris Miller from no more than 6 months in advanced to …

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Parks and Recreation BoardMay 19, 2025

Approved Minutes original pdf

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PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on May 19, 2025 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Lane Becker (Joined at 6:10 p.m.), Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt. Board Members Absent: Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Malcom Yeatts - East Riverside Oltorf Combined Contact Team Scott Johnson – Parks and Libraries Fund Scott Cobb – Lifeguard issues Ed Miller - East riverside park needs Dayna Williams - Austin Rowing Club APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of April 28, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of April 28, 2025 was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Kearns- Osterweil second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Orme and Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the PARD Nature Play program. Christine Chute Canul, Partnership Coordinator and Melody Alcazar, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation. The motion to approve letters of support for the PARD Nature Play program was approved on Chair Bazan’s motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Orme and Taylor absent. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2025 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the Lakeshore PUD Amendment Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. Robin Heymans, Principal Planner, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on whether this PUD has been controversial, and trail surface material. The motion to approve a recommendation 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. 4. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the 500 S Congress PUD Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. Robin Heymans, Principal Planner, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and …

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