20200928-4.d: Arts Commission Support of City of Austin's 2020 Legislative Agenda — original pdf

Recommendation

ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION  Recommendation Number 20200928‐4.d: Recommendation to support the legislative agenda for the  City of Austin    WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s greatest asset is its people who are passionate about their city, committed to its improvement, and determined to see its vision become a reality; and WHEREAS, the percent of registered voters who voted in the past 4 years of city elections exceeded 60 percent; and WHEREAS, an overwhelming majority of registered voters who live in Austin voted for the current Austin City Council representation; and WHEREAS, over 700 Austinites participate and serve on over 60 Boards and Commissions to help shape and influence the policies of the City; and WHEREAS, the input provided to the Austin City Council through the City’s Boards and Commissions reflects the will of the community; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City of Austin that the legislative agenda guide City staff, in coordination with the City’s strategic partners, in their efforts to advocate on behalf of the City of Austin and its residents; and WHEREAS, the Legislature strongly considered and almost passed S.B. 29 which would have limited the ability of the City to effectively advocate on behalf of the policies created and supported by its residents; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Arts Commission OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN HEREBY ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION THAT:  The Arts Commission fully supports the general principals of the policy and position statements contained in the City of Austin’s state legislative agenda.  The Arts Commission urges all Austin delegation members of the Texas Legislature to protect the City’s right to effectively and competitively advocate on behalf of the City and the Austin residents it is proud to serve.  The Arts Commission _ strongly supports the City of Austin’s engagement of and funding for a lobby team to assist the City in advocating for and protecting Austin’s vision and plan at the Texas Legislature.  The Arts Commission endorses the City of Austin’s 2020 Legislative Agenda adopted by the Austin City Council on September 17, 2020.   Date of Approval:  September 28, 2020  Record of the vote:  Unanimous on a 9‐0 vote  Commissioner kYmberly Keeton absent  Attest: Anne‐Marie McKaskle‐Davis, Arts Commission Staff Liaison