South Central Waterfront Regulating Plan South Central Waterfront Advisory Board April 18, 2022 Greg Dutton – Housing and Planning Content Regulating Plan How will it work? What will it do? What will it not do? Gives and gets Other Considerations Next Steps Overall Process Regulating Plan Creation Incorporation into LDC (Adoption) 3 Regulating Plan: how will it work? Developer Provides: • On-site affordable housing • Fee-in-lieu affordable housing • Other public realm benefits Developer Gets: • Increased entitlements 4 Regulating Plan: how will it work? Opt-in, voluntary Works in conjunction with existing WFO (does not replace it) Mechanically similar to University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) Amendment to the land development code 5 Regulating Plan: what will it do? Control physical buildout Lay out public benefits and developer incentives Include requirements for Affordable Housing provided by private developments that utilize bonus entitlements Open space, streetscape, frontage, building height, land uses, parking 6 Regulating Plan: what will it not do? Does not mandate participation Does not speak to financing, funding sources, or public-private Does not allow wiggle room or negotiating Part of a larger toolbox - will not achieve the framework vision by partnerships itself 7 Regulating Plan: gives and gets* Public goods: Additional entitlements: Affordable housing Height subdistricts up to On and off-site, 10%+ 400’ set aside Improved streetscape Enhanced open space Improved pedestrian experience Additional land uses Additional floor area No site area requirements No minimum parking required *All properties in the district eligible to participate 8 Other Considerations TIRZ in process Project Connect: Blue Line stop (above ground) + bridge Orange Line stop (underground) Changed market since 2016 Acuña ruling 9 Next Steps Regulating plan: Concepts: April/May 2022 Draft code: May/June 2022 Adoption: June/July/August 2022 20% Affordable Housing Gap Finance 1 0
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 February, 2022 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 24 February, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Hybrid Meeting on Thursday, February, 2022 at the Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, #1101, 301 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: In-person - Chair Pat Dabbert, Commission Members Courtney Rosenthal and Mark Smith Virtually - Vice Chair Steven Self, Commission Members Julia Aguilar, JC Dwyer, Lynda Infante, Ryan Marquess, and Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: Eric Frierson Citizen Communication: General None 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Dabbert welcomed the Commission members and took roll call of members present. 2. Approval of Minutes from the January 24, 2022 Regular Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on a 9-0 vote. Commission Member Frierson absent. 3. Briefings: Recycled Reads Bookstore was given by Hannah Terrell, Division Manager, Branch Services; and Book Selection and Reconsideration Policies was given by Slaven Lee, Customer Access Division Manager 4. Old Business: none 5. New Business a. Presentation and discussion: Discussion of Budget Calendar and Boards and Commissions Recommendations for FY2022-23 Budget, Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager, gave the presentation. b. Discussion and possible action on a “Freedom to Read” working group Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 February, 2022 The creation of a Freedom to Read working group was approved on Commission Member Rosenthal’s motion and Commission Member Smith’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commission Member Frierson absent. The group will report back to the commission with recommendations for action to support public access to diverse library materials and to resist library censorship efforts. c. Discussion of a possible commission planning retreat in March Chair Dabbert will share two (2) possible dates for a 2-hour planning retreat in March with Commission Members. 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for December covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director of Libraries, Roosevelt Weeks, gave the report. 7. Future Agenda Items Facilities Update – March 2022 Enhanced Library Cards – March 2022 Civic Engagement – April 2022 Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. without objection
Draft "Freedom to Read" Recommendation to Council Recommendation Protect "Freedom to Read" at Austin Public Library. Description of Recommendation Requesting that the Austin City Council adopt a resolution that supports "Freedom to Read" and opposes book banning or undue book challenges at the Austin Public Library. The Library Commission has adopted such a resolution and we offer that as an example. Rationale Background Across the country and in the state of Texas, libraries are confronting aggressive challenges to materials in their collections. School libraries have been the primary target of these incidents.1 While public libraries are a lesser target, these challenges are occurring there too.2 A list of 850 books, released by Texas State Representative Matt Krause, has fueled much of the book challenge activity in Texas.3 Although public complaints often cite pornography as the 1 "Schools nationwide are quietly removing books from their libraries", Washington Post, published Mar 22, 2022, accessed Mar 24, 2022, https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/03/22/school-librarian-book-bans-challenges/ 2 “How the library wars have played out in one Texas county,” AXIOS Austin, published and accessed Mar 24, 2022, https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/03/24/library-books-wars-texas-llano-county-censorship 3 "All 850 Books Texas Lawmaker Matt Krause Wants to Ban: An Analysis", Book Riot, published Nov 5, 2021, accessed Mar 24, 2022, https://bookriot.com/texas-book-ban-list/ justification for challenge4, most of the challenges revolve around issues of race and racism, sex education, and LGBTQ topics.5 We believe it is a core mission of the public library to provide quality information from a diversity of viewpoints, especially on these kinds of topics. We also believe book bans and these undue challenges are attacks on the open access and free inquiry that are essential to our democracy6. The "Freedom to Read" is a constitutional right7 that we should act to protect in the event that such challenges do occur at the Austin Public Library. Library Commission Action Although the Austin Public Library (APL) has not received any such challenges at this time, it is a potential concern. The Austin Library Commission wants to take steps to ensure public access to library materials is not hampered by such challenges, should one arise. At the Jan 24, 2022 regular commission meeting of the Austin Library Commission, APL Director Roosevelt Weeks presented a Statement on Book Banning and Library Censorship. It states the public has a "right to read" at the APL, and highlights the APL Materials Selection Policy to develop "responsive collections."8 4 "Texas governor decries school library books …
Draft "Freedom to Read" Resolution WHEREAS, open access and free inquiry are key components of a democratic society; and WHEREAS, libraries are a trusted source to which the public turns for authoritative, timely, and accurate information; and WHEREAS, the role of libraries is to collect and make available information from a wide diversity of perspectives; and WHEREAS, including materials on a particular topic or expressing a particular opinion does not connote approval or advocacy of that topic or opinion; and WHEREAS, the American Library Association (ALA) has found that the "Freedom to Read" is essential to our democracy and has issued a statement of such [https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatement]; and WHEREAS, the Austin Public Library follows generally accepted professional practices when selecting materials for inclusion in its collection; and WHEREAS, book challenges have been used to attack the Freedom to Read [https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/aboutbannedbooks]; and WHEREAS, the Austin Public Library has a materials reconsideration process that is fair, deliberative, equitable, and accessible to the public; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE AUSTIN LIBRARY COMMISSION: The Austin Library Commission supports the ALA Freedom to Read statement and opposes book banning. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The Austin Library Commission supports the Austin Public Library policy for materials selection. The Austin Library Commission supports the Austin Public Library process for reconsideration, and endorses its use for public concern of library materials. Submitted by the Freedom to Read Working Group of the Austin Library Commission.
28-Mar-2022 Status Report Report to the Austin Public Library Commission by the Freedom to Read Working Group WG participants include: ● Commissioner Courtney Rosenthal, chair ● Commissioner Eric Frierson ● Commissioner Lynda Infante ● Commissioner Steven Self ● Commissioner Mark Smith ● Frank Giammarino, APL Collections Department Manager The WG met via video conference on March 9, and via online collaboration. We have identified four goals for the working group: ● Draft a resolution of commission support for Freedom to Read and oppose book bannings incidents ● Draft a recommendation of City Council action for same ● Remain on stand-by to offer rapid response support in the event of local book banning ● Monitor status of local schools and other possible organizations, seeking ways to provide city support in the event of book banning incidents We plan to present the two draft documents listed above for discussion and possible action at the March 28 commission meeting. Next, the working group will continue, to: ● address any further direction from the Commission ● work to advance the Council recommendation, if approved ● monitor events in support of the final two goals listed above
Director’s Report March 2022 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 8 Austin History Center ________________________________________________________ 12 Library Priorities ____________________________________________________________ 13 Literacy Advancement ___________________________________________________________________ 13 Digital Inclusion & STEM _________________________________________________________________ 13 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _______________________________________________________________ 14 Civic and Community Engagement _________________________________________________________ 14 Staff Development ______________________________________________________________________ 14 Workforce and Economic Development ______________________________________________________ 14 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 15 Collections Circulation February ___________________________________________________________ 15 HIGHLIGHTS Austin Public Library Announces Expanded Hours Starting March 28 Austin Public Library will be expanding the open hours for all library locations, starting March 28, 2022. The change comes after two years of reduced hours and capacity at library locations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We know that the community has missed being able to more easily visit their neighborhood libraries over the past two years,” stated Austin Public Library director Roosevelt Weeks. “Your libraries have missed you as well. We are excited to be able to expand access to our locations to ensure that more people in our community are able to safely access information and resources.” Central Library Hours Effective March 28 Monday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday Closed Branch libraries Hours Effective March 28 Monday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm* Sunday Closed *St. John Branch closes 4:00 pm on Saturdays Also effective March 28, Austin Public Library’s used bookstore Recycled Reads will be adding Wednesday to its current list of open days, operating 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursdays. Austin History Center will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. April 4. The expansion of hours also marks the return of in-person programming and events at Austin Public Library locations. Library customers will be able to begin reserving space in the Central Library’s Shared Learning Rooms starting March 28. Customers will also be able to reserve space in community meeting rooms starting Additionally, the four library locations currently offering Curbside Hold Pickup …
KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS MAR 2022 P.1 Cardholders TOTAL CARDHOLDERS 430,729 433,154 ACTIVE CARDHOLDERS 315,663 314,426 V IRT UA L LIBRA RY E - CA RD S Re si d e nt v N o n Re si d e nt Virtual Resident Virtual NonResident 8,365 4,410 8,413 4,562 8,280 4,294 419,491 295,973 Jan-22 Feb-22 Mar-22 Jan-22 Feb-22 Mar-22 NEW CARDHOLDERS 2,679 2,060 2,174 Jan-22 Feb-22 Mar-22 JA N - 2 2 F E B- 2 2 M A R- 2 2 Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant Monthly Activity Report 4/8/2022 9:12 PM KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS MAR 2022 P.2 Visitors VISITORS 106,440 97,470 90,944 Jan-22 Feb-22 Mar-22 Central Visitors Branch Visitors 47,621 62,900 34,575 33,342 57,602 58,819 Jan-22 Feb-22 Mar-22 Jan-22 Feb-22 Mar-22 Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant Monthly Activity Report 4/8/2022 9:12 PM KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS MAR 2022 P.3 Circulation C I RC ULAT I O N PHYSICAL CIRCULATION VIRTUAL CIRCULATION E - BO O K C I RC ULAT I O N BY AUDI E N C E Jan-22 Feb-22 Mar-22 1 3 6 , 0 7 1 3 8 2 , 9 4 1 8 1 4 , 5 3 1 3 0 7 , 1 0 1 7 5 1 , 4 9 0 2 9 , 2 8 1 9 7 , 2 1 5 0 7 , 0 1 2 1 3 , 4 1 367,327 229,686 268,815 334,510 335,472 223,512 J A N - 2 2 F E B - 2 2 M A R - 2 2 TOP E-MATERIALS CIRC_EBOOK CIRC_EAUDIO 89,159 132,462 79,021 114,893 87,876 123,960 Jan-22 Feb-22 Mar-22 T E C H D E V I C E C I R C U L AT I O N Hotspots Laptops 312 143 272 143 425 142 C H I L D R E N B O O K A D U L T B O O K T E E N B O O K Jan-22 Feb-22 Mar-22 Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant Monthly Activity Report 4/8/2022 9:12 PM KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS MAR 2022 P.4 Desk v Express System Desk v Express Past 3 Months EXPRESS DESK 170,333 128,451 119,493 148,763 140,840 193,554 Jan-22 Feb-22 Mar-22 HIGH CIRC BRANCHES MARCH 2022 CIRC_EXPRESS CIRC_DESK 12,985 9,020 12,622 9,892 15,451 11,091 14,221 12,091 27,037 19,528 25,384 21,364 22,432 …
CIRCULATION HOTSPOTS 2022 MARCH Checkout Library Number of Checkouts, or Renewals Ruiz Central Milwood Ruiz Central Milwood Windsor Park Manchaca Road Spicewood Springs Yarborough Howson North Village Old Quarry Twin Oaks Willie Mae Kirk Little Walnut Creek Pleasant Hill St. John Carver Hampton Oak Hill Southeast Terrazas Total 25 24 21 9 8 7 7 6 5 5 5 5 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 143 hotspots March 2022 hold customers March 2022 active cardholders by council district
CHAPTER 10-3 AMENDMENTS - FARMERS MARKET REGULATIONS Marcel Elizondo, MPH, RS; Interim Assistant Director Austin Public Health/Environmental Health Services Division BACKGROUND What are the current classes for farmers markets in the City of Austin and contracted municipalities? What happened during the 86th Texas Legislative session? 2 Schedule of Fees (Ordinance No. 20180911-002) updated by reducing all Farmers Market Fees (Class A, B and C), in compliance with Senate Bill 932 of the 86th Legislature, on an 11-0 vote. September 19, 2019 – Ordinance updated to eliminate “sampling permit” based on the 86th Legislature action regarding regulation of farmers markets. Council approved Ordinance No. 20190919-042 to amend Chapter 10-3-97 and 10-3-98 on a 11-0 vote. This allowed the City to come into compliance with HB 1694 and SB 932 from 2019. August 12, 2020- Council approved Ordinance No. 20200812-002 authorizing fees, fines and other charges to be set or charged by the City for Fiscal Year 2020- 2021, on an 11-0 vote, in which Farmers Market Class A and B, but not Class C, permits were included. 3 PROPOSAL Eliminate all references to “Class C” in the current city ordinance to align with current city practice of only issuing permits for two classes of permits and only two fees on the fee schedule. Currently, only Class A and Class B permits are issued. 4 Receive support from: Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Public Health Committee 5 THANK YOU marcel.elizondo@austintexas.gov Office # 512-978-0300, option 5
TITLE 3 AMENDMENTS – ANIMAL REGULATIONS MARCEL ELIZONDO, MPH, RS; INTERIM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTH/ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION BACKGROUND What are the current setbacks for fowl enclosures? Initial Sanitary expectations Current challenges PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTIONS On November 21, 2013, Council voted 6-1 to amend the zoning section of Urban Farms (§ 25-2-863) and Enclosures for Fowl (§ 3-2- 16). Compromise Compromise with non-chicken owners GOALS TO ACCOMPLISH Increase Sustainable food; increase the number of residents able to keep chickens, eggs on properties unable to meet the current setback distance of 50’ Clarify Clarify codes and regulations for residents; citizen expectations PROPOSAL Setback distance Minimize the setback distance for fowl enclosures from 50’ 30’ NEXT STEPS Receive support from: Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Public Health Committee Support form these two organizations will be conveyed to City Council in their considerations. THANK YOU CONTACT INFORMATION: MARCEL.ELIZONDO@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV, OFFICE # 512-978-0300, OPTION 5.
TITLE 3 AMENDMENTS – ANIMAL REGULATIONS MARCEL ELIZONDO, MPH, RS; INTERIM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTH/ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION BACKGROUND What are the current setbacks for fowl enclosures? Initial Sanitary expectations Current challenges PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTIONS On November 21, 2013, Council voted 6-1 to amend the zoning section of Urban Farms (§ 25-2-863) and Enclosures for Fowl (§ 3-2- 16). Compromise Compromise with non-chicken owners GOALS TO ACCOMPLISH Increase Sustainable food; increase the number of residents able to keep chickens, eggs on properties unable to meet the current setback distance of 50’ Clarify Clarify codes and regulations for residents; citizen expectations PROPOSAL Setback distance Minimize the setback distance for fowl enclosures from 50’ 30’ NEXT STEPS Receive support from: Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Public Health Committee Support form these two organizations will be conveyed to City Council in their considerations. THANK YOU CONTACT INFORMATION: MARCEL.ELIZONDO@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV, OFFICE # 512-978-0300, OPTION 5.
Joint Prospectus Brownie Neighborhood Park, Highland Neighborhood Park and Reznicek Fields, & Duncan Neighborhood Park Art in Public Places Projects (3) ARTS COMMISSION APRIL 18, 2022 Brownie Neighborhood Park Project Background • Current playscape + 5 acres undeveloped land • Next phase: Picnic pavilion, irrigation system expansion, loop walking trail, solar security lighting, benches, picnic tables, new playground, new drinking fountain, and vehicular turnaround & ADA parking spaces Single family and multi-family dwellings • • Many schools nearby • Community Demographics: • Race/Ethnicity: Hispanic or Latino: 57.3%; White: 24.9%; Black: 9.7%; American Indian & Alaska Native: 0.2%; Asian: 5.3%; Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander: 0.1%; Other Race: 0.2%; Two or More Races: 2.4% Languages Spoken: Speak only English: 43%; Speak Spanish or Spanish Creole; 48%; Speak Other Indo- European Language: 3%; Speak Asian or Pacific Island Language: 4% • District 4 Embodies community and inclusion; Brownie AIPP Project Goals Community feedback for the goals was gathered: • • • PARD Virtual Community Meetings: April & July 2021 PARD Community Survey w/ Pop- Ups: April & May 2021 Community Flyers: October 2021 Artist Budget: $48,000 Contributes to the park as a calm and peaceful oasis; Vibrantly encourages imagination and play; Is easily maintained and vandal-resistant in an exterior environment; and Contributes to the depth/breadth of the City of Austin’s public art collection Brownie Park Possible Artwork Locations Suggestions circled in pink. Final art location is to be determined by artist in collaboration with community and City stakeholders. Highland Neighborhood Park and Reznicek Fields Project Background 7.5 acres of city owned land • • Next phase includes: Two 125’ ball fields with lighting, a new site irrigation system, a loop walking trail, benches, a new drinking fountain, parking lot improvements, utilities for a future restroom/community building, and 25 additional trees Single family and multi-family dwellings Youth sports activities by the University Hills Optimist Club (UHO) since 1970 • • • Community Demographics: • Race/Ethnicity: Hispanic or Latino: 52%; White: 36%; • Black: 6%; American Indian & Alaska Native: 0%; Asian: 3%; Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander: 0%; Other Race: 0%; Two or More Races: 3% Languages Spoken: Speak only English: 53%; Speak Spanish or Spanish Creole: 42%; Speak Other Indo- European Language: 2%; Speak Asian or Pacific Island Language: 2% District 4 Highland AIPP Project Goals Community feedback for the goals was gathered: • • • PARD Virtual Community Meeting: June 2021 …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Laura Odegaard, Program Manager III Cultural Arts Division Economic Development Department April 18, 2022 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 1 Hotel Occupancy Tax – February 2022 Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund Month Ended February 28, 2022 Tfr to Cultural Arts Fund Approved Budget 6,660,189 Amended Budget 6,660,189 February w/Encumb 812,359 Year-to-date w/Encumb 5,386,691 Year-End Estimate 6,660,189 Year-End Year-End Variance % Variance Fav(Unfav) Fav(Unfav) 0.0% 0 YTD Total HOT is $56.4M • 81% of FY22 Budget of $69.8M • FY22 Q2 collections for months Jan and Feb totaled $31.5M C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 2 Hotel Occupancy Tax – March 2022 Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund Month Ended March 31, 2022 Tfr to Cultural Arts Fund Approved Budget 6,660,189 Amended Budget 6,660,189 March w/Encumb 54,326 Year-to-date w/Encumb 5,441,016 Year-End Estimate 6,660,189 Year-End Year-End Variance % Variance Fav(Unfav) Fav(Unfav) 0.0% 0 YTD Total HOT is $56,972,229 • 82% of FY22 Budget of $69.8M • FY22 collections for March was $567,293 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 3 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY22 Year End Estimate: $6,660,189 82% so far = $5.5M Actuals C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 4 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 5
Community Navigator Program Update April 18, 2022 Community Navigator Program Overview Program Intent: The Economic Development Department’s Community Navigator Program supports local businesses, non-profit organizations, and creative professionals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Clients can register for no-cost assistance from Community Navigators, including one-on-one coaching, virtual classes, and help applying for government and philanthropic support. This program was approved by Austin City Council, and it is funded through Austin’s allocation of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Client Eligibility: To be eligible, local entities must be located(cid:3031)in the(cid:3031)Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The Austin-Round Rock MSA includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties. Community Navigator Program Overview How it Works! EDD and partners will inform community about the program Interested clients will register for services using Portal EDD will refer clients to partners based on clients’ interests, or clients can select their preferred partner Partners will render services and leave “service notes” in Portal Partners will invoice EDD for services; EDD will pay invoices based on service notes Program began on March 23rd Community Navigator Program Overview Art Spark Texas will provide registration assistance for any help in setting up an account. Community Navigators Austin Revitalization Authority Business & Community Lenders (BCL) of Texas Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) Health Alliance for Austin Musicians Mission Capital On the Money Finance LLC The Volt Studios Visual Matters Consulting Marketing and Outreach Timeline Launch Day Efforts Program officially launched on March 23rd at 10 a.m. Press Release Newsletter Social Media Promotional Videos Social Media Organic and Paid Posts Stakeholder Outreach via Email Website FAQs Program Information Portal Application Access (How-To Video) 6 Ongoing Efforts Newsletter Social Media Promotional Videos Social Media Organic and Paid Posts Paid Media Buys 7 Questions Community Navigator Program We look forward to working with you!
Cultural Arts Funding Review Process Update ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT APRIL 18, 2022 Concerns of Inequitable Distribution* Problem: we are trying to address 50 years of inequitable distribution of funding through the Cultural Funding programs due to the historical policies, practices, and (in)accessibility of our programs. *Data shows leadership/staff demographics FY15-FY 21 only. We recognize this is only one indicator. Impetus to Revise the Guidelines 2017: Cultural Funding Program Responsiveness Working Group 2018: Funding cuts for the first time (11%) COA Equity Statement: Strategic Direction 2023 Cultural Funding Review Goal The desired goal is to sustain and grow Austin’s cultural infrastructure so that all may share in the economic and employment benefits of the heritage preservation and creative sectors, as well as upholding the City’s commitment to racial equity per the City of Austin’s Equity Office standards and goals. Cultural Funding Review Process Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 4.5 Launch + Listen Record + Analyze Equity Audit 9 1 0 2 • 1 town hall • 2 workshops • 39 listening sessions • 540 participants • 1,160 engagement hours • Feedback compiled and synthesized • Organized into specific themes and directions for further discussion • Staff assessment of programs • Equity trainings for staff and commissions • Heritage Tourism and Music and Entertainment added • Process audit with ODD • MJR Recommendations Program Development • 1500+ hours of staff planning • 2 public presentations • Feedback: comment box, 1:1 meetings, Q+A, direct communications, Commission meetings 2 0 2 2 Program Refinement • 1 presentation • Regular VOOH and 3 guided discussions • Arts Commission chats • Feedback collection including survey • Feedback will be used to refine the program before official launch • Evaluation is ongoing! Feedback informed every aspect of program development including program priorities, application scoring, rubrics, and process improvements. Guided by Community Engagement Large Events 6 community events 1,002 attendees Facilitated Conversations 5 facilitated conversations 61 attendees Multiple Public Presentations 4 Guided Conversations with in-meeting Menti surveys 1:1 Meetings with staff/consultant Virtual Open Office Hours 2-4 times per month Small Group Listening Sessions Newsletters every month 10 listening sessions 213 attendees Virtual Comment Box Holistic Funding Ecosystem Nexus • Nurture new and emerging applicants by funding creative public projects developed through community activation and/or collaboration Elevate • Creative and administrative expenses of cultural producers that amplify equity and prioritize inclusive programming. Thrive • Focused …
Corridor Construction Program Burnet Road Selection Process Recommendation ARTS COMMISSION APRIL 18, 2022 Burnet Road Boulevard Budget: $139,000 (White Horse Trail and US 183) o A mainstay of Austin culture o Many businesses, shopping centers, restaurants, neighborhoods, and mixed- o Neighborhoods care deeply about history as well preserving elements of “old o Iconic businesses and signage & local landmarks o Investments in spaces to support younger generations Districts 7 Character: use developments Austin" o o o o Possible locations include: ◦ Gualt Lane Gateway ◦ W. Braker Lane ◦ US HWY 183 ◦ Burnet Lane Triangle ◦ Koenig Lane/Allandale Road Gateway Burnet Road Goals Jury and Advisors The goals of this opportunity are to select an artist, in collaboration with project stakeholders and City staff, who will design artwork that: • Honors the many iconic businesses both present and past that have served the communities and created destinations along the corridor; • Honors the history of the complex network of neighborhoods that surround and support the corridor; • Delights viewers across the generations; • Integrates seamlessly into the construction of the corridor; Is made from durable and low maintenance materials; and • • Enriches or adds to the depth/breadth of the City of Austin’s public art collection. Project Goals & Selection Process Jury: Diana Wheeler, Allendale Neighborhood Association Anne-Charlotte Patterson, Crestview Neighborhood Association Susan Burneson, Voices of the Violet Crown Daniel Arredondo, Artist Sean Barry, Corridor Program Office, Burnet PM Heidi Schmalbach, District 7 Arts Commissioner Stephanie Lemmo, Art in Public Places Panel Tammie Rubin, Art in Public Places Panel Chair Advisors: Kelly Buethe, Corridor Program Office Request for Qualifications Open to artists in the Corridor Construction Artist Pool. • Opt-in period open 10/20/20 to 11/6/20 • Ar(cid:415)st Informa(cid:415)on Mee(cid:415)ng 10/29/20 • Jury + advisors review 36 applications 3/11/22 • Interviews with two artists/artist teams held 3/24/22 Corridor| Burnet Road Corridor Pool (114) Corridor Pool Burnet Opt- In (36)* Burnet Opt- In Burnet Finalists (2) Burnet Finalists 14% 11% 2% 1% 2% 13% 37% 20% 41% 39% 2% 18% 4 2 1 0 0 3 18 8 17 13 0 6 11% 6% 3% 0% 0% 8% 50% 22% 47% 36% 0% 17% 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% 16 13 2 1 2 15 42 23 47 44 2 21 Hispanic …
Longhorn Dam Bridge AIPP Project Prospectus Approval A N N A B R A D L E Y, A I P P STA F F A P R I L 4 , 2 0 2 2 Project Background Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) • 2018-2020: PER evaluated 5 bridge alternatives developed from community input • Alternative B (Wishbone- shaped bridge) received the most overall support 2020 Active Transportation and Safety Bond • $15M allocated for design + construction Alternative B (Wishbone-shaped bridge) presented at third public meeting in December 2019 2 Key areas at the new Longhorn Dam Wishbone Bridge: ◦ Canterbury Street Improvements ◦ Plaza Area ◦ Pleasant Valley Underpass Artwork Budget: $190,000 Artwork Project Goals What is important to you, as a community? An iconic artwork that heightens awareness of the area Uses or promotes sustainable materials Incorporates Wayfinding Illustrates diversity and history of the neighborhood CIP Project Improvements include: New physical separation between north and southbound travel lanes throughout most of the project area to address head-on crash patterns. Reconfigured street space over the bridge to a single northbound traffic lane and two southbound lanes between the south Krieg Field entrance and Canterbury Street, with multiple new dedicated left turn lanes. A new 12-foot-wide shared use path on the west side of South Pleasant Valley Road and an 8-foot-wide shared use path on the east side. Community Engagement meeting via Zoom on March 9,2022 using Meni.com Public Art Intent & Goals The goals of this specific public art project are to: •Creates an iconic artwork that identifies the Longhorn Dam area; •Reflects the natural environment of the lake and surroundings; •Visually or physically integrates wayfinding elements that help inform and direct pedestrian traffic; •Enriches or adds to the depth/breadth of the City of Austin’s public art collection. Artist Eligibility Applicants should meet the following requirements: Artists living and working in the State of Texas area are eligible to apply. Artists are invited artists to submit a Request for Qualifications and respond to questions determined by the project team, specific to the Longhorn Dam Wishbone Bridge AIPP project. •What does the jury need to know about you and your work as an artist? What is your public art experience? •What excites you about the Longhorn Dam Wishbone Bridge public art project? •What is your connection to the Longhorn Shores and Central East Austin neighborhood? Are you familiar …
Elevate SUMMARY OF CHANGES Revisions to pilot guidelines and rubric since October 2021: • Reworked scoring rubric and guidelines language, in keeping with community feedback, Equity Office consultation, and legal guidance. Important terms and definitions added to the glossary. Request amount revised to reflect current HOT funding budget. Program description better reflects the origins and purpose of the program • • • • General guidelines language updates to clarify program goals. • Maximum award amount increased from $20,000 to $50,000 1 Elevate Pilot Year Draft Guidelines - REVISED FORMATTING WILL BE ADDED ONCE TEXT IS APPROVED [Cover page] Elevate: funding for cultural productions Pilot Program Annual Term, 2-Year Review Panel Cycle Contracts funded between $7,500 and $50,000 (dependent on available HOT funding). Up to 100 contracts awarded. Pilot Guidelines For activities taking place (dates TBD) [Web page link] [logo] City of Austin [logo] Economic Development Department 2 elevate (verb) raise or lif t (something) up to a higher position Program Overview Annual Term, 2 Year Review Panel Cycle Contracts funded between $7,500 and $50,000 Elevate: Amplifying equity in Austin’s diverse arts and cultural sector This program seeks to provide funding in support of organizations, individuals, creative businesses, and unincorporated groups that produce culturally vibrant and diverse artistic content for the public. This funding broadly supports the creative, administrative, and operational expenses incurred in the production of creative activities and events for the people of Austin and its tourists. This investment in Austin’s cultural producers will elevate the City’s diverse arts and culture tourism sector, amplify equity, and prioritize inclusive programming. Priority will be given to those who have been at immediate risk of cultural erasure and displacement within Austin and/or have been institutionally marginalized and under-funded by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. Key Elements • Applicants must have a one-year history of operating in the cultural sector in the Austin metro area and must produce public arts/culture activities (within the Austin 10-1 districts and ETJ) that add to the City’s diverse arts and culture tourism sector. • Applicants who prefer to work with a Fiscal Sponsor may do so. Fiscal Sponsorship will not be a requirement for applicants. • Awards will be based on the application and alignment with the program’s funding priorities. Operational budget will not be the primary factor in determining award amounts. • Applications will be reviewed and scored by review panels, reflective of the …
Nexus SUMMARY OF CHANGES Revisions to pilot guidelines and rubric since October 2021: • Reworked scoring rubric and guidelines language, in keeping with community feedback, Equity Office consultation, and legal guidance. Important terms and definitions added to the glossary in the Program Details Document. • • Request amount revised to reflect current HOT funding budget. • Program description better reflects the origins and purpose of the program • General guidelines language updates to clarify program goals. 1 Nexus Pilot Year Draft Guidelines - REVISED FORMATTING WILL BE ADDED ONCE TEXT IS APPROVED [Cover page] Nexus: nurture new and emerging applicants in the creative community Pilot Program Project Support, two opportunities to apply. Approximately 40-50 contracts awarded per cycle. $5,000 award amount. Pilot Guidelines For projects taking place between DATE and DATE [Web page link] [logo] City of Austin [logo] Economic Development Department 2 nexus (noun) a connection or series of connections linking two or more things Program Overview Annual term, two opportunities to apply $5,000 contracts Nexus: nurture new and emerging applicants in the creative community The Nexus program is designed to nurture new and emerging applicants in the creative community in support of creative public programming for the city and its tourists through community activation and collaboration. Collaborations might include projects that involve artists, culturally specific groups, groups representing LGBTQIA and disability communities, non-profits, social advocacy organizations, and similar. Applicants who are new to City funding, particularly those who have been at immediate risk of cultural erasure and displacement within Austin and/or have been institutionally marginalized will be prioritized. Key Elements • This program is intended to nurture new and emerging applicants in the creative community. • This program funds community-centered art projects of all kinds. • This program highlights community voices and encourages resourcefulness of applicants by centering the program around partnerships, in which all collaborators share decision-making power in the creative direction of the projects. • Applications are reviewed and scored by an internal panel of City of Austin staff. • Applicants who prefer to work with a Fiscal Sponsor may do so. Fiscal Sponsorship is not a requirement for applicants. Who can apply Applicant eligibility criteria is outlined below, with greater detail provided in the Scoring Rubric. Funding is not guaranteed if you meet all the minimum requirements; rather, funding will be awarded based on the overall score of your application which includes consideration of our …
Thrive SUMMARY OF CHANGES Revisions to pilot guidelines and rubric since October 2021: Reworked scoring rubric and guidelines language, in keeping with community feedback, Equity Office consultation, and legal guidance. Important terms and definitions added to the glossary. Minimum and maximum award amounts revised according to public feedback that $50,000 is a minimum meaningful award amount. o Minimum award amount changed from $30,000 to $70,000 o Maximum award changed from $50,000 to $120,000 o NOTE: this amount is based on financial limitations due to the pandemic, staff recommends that request amounts for this program be as high as $200,000 in the future when the HOT funding budget allows. Program description better reflects the origins and purpose of the program Several changes made so that the pilot program is more focused on sustainability rather than just programmatic growth. Growth is still encouraged throughout the program for organizations that are positioned to do so. Cohort requirements have been more fully described and participation requirements have been General guidelines language updates to clarify program goals. Language added and edited in response to clarify that sponsored projects are ineligible for this reduced. program. 1 Thrive Pilot Year Draft Guidelines - REVISED FORMATTING WILL BE ADDED ONCE TEXT IS APPROVED [Cover page] Thrive: Organizational investment for arts and culture non-profits Pilot Program 2 Year Contract Term. Request amounts between $70,000 and $120,000 per pilot program year. Approximately 30-45 contracts awarded. Pilot Guidelines For activities taking place (dates TBD) [Web page link] [logo] City of Austin [logo] Economic Development Department 2 thrive (verb) grow or develop well or vigorously; to prosper Program Overview 2 Year Contract Term. Approximately 30-45 contracts awarded Request amounts between $70,000 and $120,000 per year This program seeks to address a long-term need for intentional investment to support and develop arts organizations and cultural institutions of, by, and for communities that are at immediate risk of cultural erasure and displacement within Austin and/or have been institutionally marginalized and under- funded by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. Through a combination of funding, peer leadership, and networking model, this program will make Austin’s diverse cultures more widely visible and accessible by providing funds to sustain and grow organizations that are deeply rooted in, and reflective of those key constituencies. To directly address historic inequities in our own funding models and meet our goals of …
