Item 1: May 20, 2026 Draft Minutes — original pdf

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DOWNTOWN COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2026 The Downtown Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Ishmael called the Downtown Commission Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ralph E. Ishmael Jr. (Chair) Gina Houston David Carroll Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kevin Chen Jennifer Franklin Bat Taniguchi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Shelby Evans – Eloise House + SAFE funding Sophia Mirto – Forensic Exam Funding Dan Weber – Eloise House + SAFE funding APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular meeting of April 15, 2026. There was a motion by Commissioner McDaniel, seconded by Commissioner Wiley, to approve the April 15, 2026 meeting minutes with an amendment to strike “s” from “McDaniels”. The motion was approved on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Levinson and Commissioner Buchta were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan and progress towards 50/50 Mode Share. Presentation by Cole Kitten, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. 1 Withdrawn without objection. 3. Update regarding the new convention center. Presentation by Katy Zamesnik, Interim Director, Austin Convention Center. The presentation was made by Katy Zamesnik, Interim Director, Austin Convention Center. 4. Presentation regarding the Red River Cultural District’s economic impact on the downtown area. Presentation by Nicole Klepadlo, Executive Director, Red River Cultural District. The presentation was made by Nicole Klepadlo, Executive Director, Red River Cultural District. 5. Update regarding Arts Commission activities and concerns related to the Downtown Commission’s scope. Update by Commissioner Houston. 6. Update regarding Public Safety Commission activities and concerns related to the Downtown Commission’s scope. Update by Commissioner Bernhardt. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Sobering center – Mcdaniel, Ishmael Presentation from APD on family violence investigations and sexual assault response. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m. without objection on Commissioner Shifferd’s motion, Commissioner McDaniel’s second. 2