Item 3: Draft Recommendation — original pdf

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. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Downtown Commission Recommendation Number 20260311-003: FY2026-27 Budget Recommendations WHEREAS the Downtown Commission is tasked with overseeing the development and the success of downtown Austin; and WHEREAS the music industry is critical to the economic vitality of downtown Austin; and WHEREAS the Red River Cultural District is an integral part of Austin’s downtown music scene; and WHEREAS the Red River Cultural District is a vital part of Austin’s nationally and internationally known identity as the “Live Music Capital of the World; and WHEREAS the unhoused in the downtown area often impact downtown businesses and impact the perception of safety for their customers and patrons; and WHEREAS the City of Austin has a vested interest in keeping downtown safe and accessible to its residents, visitors, workers and performers. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Downtown Commission recommends that the Austin City Council consider budgeting the necessary funds for the following items: ONE: That the city budget the funds to reopen the Oasis shelter, in order to give the unhoused a safe and humane place to go, that relieves local businesses from the need to constantly police the area and create a greater perception of safety for downtown pedestrians and customers. TWO: That the city budget funds for the expansion of the Downtown Ambassadors’ musician escort program. The current program only provides two persons able to provide safe escort from their venue to their parked cars, for musicians, up until 10:00 at night. The DAA is potentially willing to expand the program to four personnel, up until 3:00 a.m. if the funds can be found to do so. That would induce more musicians to be willing to play downtown Austin venues and keep our music venues thriving. THREE: That the city conduct a financial study of the cost of subsidized parking downtown for musicians and service workers downtown. . FOUR: That the city consider subsidizing the cost of a safe and sober “Green Room” for area musicians, potentially at Central Presbyterian Church, to provide a welcoming space in between gigs where they can place their instruments and gear and not be in an alcohol heavy environment. FIVE: That the city study the cost of a downtown shuttle/circulator that would run from W Sixth Street to Plaza Saltillo, and up and down Congress Avenue from Second Street to Seventh Street. This would facilitate moving more people more safely, therefore taking vehicular and scooter traffic off the streets, and support construction mitigation efforts; and finally, SIX: That the city determine the cost of subsidizing evening parking for retail workers and visitors from Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or commissioner can sign)