Downtown Commission Meeting Austin Police Department – Update Wednesday, September 21, 2022 Eric Fitzgerald, Commander - Downtown Area Command eric.fitzgerald@austintexas.gov Topics • Overall Safety in the Downtown Area Command • Homelessness in the Downtown Area and APD’s role • Alternative Transportation (Scooter) Incidents • 911 vs. 311 Overall Safety Actual Safety – Protecting people’s physical welfare. Perceived Safety – The community might be safe, but a history of unsafe incidents and personal experiences might make them feel otherwise. *Maintaining both is critical in maintaining trust and credibility with the community. Violent Crime Data DTAC Part 1 Violent Crime 1/1/2021- 9/19/2022 Homicide Sexual Assualt Robbery Agg. Assault Part 1 Violent Crime Total 2021 (YTD) 2022 (YTD) Change 2021 2022 (YTD) Change 2021-2022 (YTD) Total 12 100 131 259 502 0% -15% -2% -36% -23% 20% 12% 35% -7% 7% 6 46 65 101 218 6 54 66 158 284 5 41 48 109 203 6 46 65 101 218 Property Crime Data DTAC Part 1 Property Crime 1/1/2021- 9/19/2022 Burglary of Residence/Non-Residence Auto Theft Burgalry of Vehicle Theft Simple Assault Part 1 Property Crime Total 2021 (YTD) 2022 (YTD) Change 2021 2022 (YTD) Change 2021-2022 Total 229 324 706 1660 1434 4353 135 6% 177 21% 440 -12% 952 3% 833 -2% 0% 2537 -30% -17% -40% -26% -28% -28% 94 147 266 708 601 1816 94 147 266 708 601 1816 89 121 303 687 615 1815 Highlights • Aggravated Assaults are down -7% YTD from 2021 • Burglary of Vehicles are down -12% YTD from 2021 • Robbery is up 35% YTD from 2021 • Auto Theft is up 21% YTD from 2021 • Sexual Assault is up 12% YTD from 2021 Shots Fired Data DTAC Shots Fired Calls for Service Shots Fired Calls 2021 (YTD) 2022 (YTD) Change 2021 2022 (YTD) Change 2021-2022 Total 87 55 -42% 32 32 42 -24% *Shots fired calls, officer-involved shootings, shooting urgent calls, etc. In 2021-2022, 24%(21/87) of DTAC Shots Fired Calls occurred in the area of 5th to 8th St. between Red River St and Brazos St. 2021 & 2022 Shots Fired Map Gun Arrest Data DTAC Gun Arrests by Possession Offense 1/1/2021- 9/19/2022 Possession of Firearm by Felon Unlawful Carrying Weapon 2021 (YTD) 2022 (YTD) Change 2021 2022 (YTD) Change 2021-2022 Total 54 30 195 106 31% 136 -20% -16% 33% 31% 24 89 24 89 18 68 -17% 113 …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION JULY 20, 2022, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chamber, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register, please contact mona.sanchez@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7864. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach Kimberly Taylor Mike Lavigne Preston Reine Laura Templeton Amy Wong Mok, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER Ralph Ismael Nelly Paulina Ramirez Cynthia Weatherby Jen Weaver Josh Lickteig Joel Sher Ben Heimsath Kelan Robinson AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission May 18, 2022, meeting. 2. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding the Safer Sixth Street Initiative, Brian Block, Development Services Department. 3. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS a. Discussion and possible action on the City of Austin Arts in Public Places Program b. Discussion and possible action on the Safer Sixth Street Initiative c. Discussion and possible action on the Downtown Commission Annual Internal Review and Report 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS a. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission b. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark c. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation d. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission e. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Music Commission f. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board g. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Public Safety Commission Commission Commission 5. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES a. Update from Convention Center Expansion Working Group 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION JUNE 15, 2022, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon June 14th is required for remote participation. To register, please contact mona.sanchez@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7864. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Vacant, Commissioner Jen Weaver, Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Ben Heimsath, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER Ralph Ishmael, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Kimberly Taylor, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Preston Reine Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Amy Wong Mok, Commissioner AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approval of Minutes of the May 18, 2022, Meeting Minutes Discussion and Possible Action (5 minutes) 2. New Business – Discussion and Possible Action a. Safer Sixth Street Initiative 3. Old Business – a. Staff Updates i. City of Austin Boards and Commission Email Accounts b. Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non-voting members: i. Update from Commissioner Jen Weaver on recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission ii. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark Commission iii. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission iv. Update from Commissioner Amy Wong Mok on recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission v. Update from (vacant position) on recent activities and actions taken by the Music Commission vi. Update from Commissioner Kimberly Taylor on recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board vii. Update from Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez on recent activities and actions taken by the Public Safety Commission 4. Potential Future Agenda Items Adjournment The Commission may discuss and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentations. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION MAY 18, 2022, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon May 17 is required for remote participation. To register, please contact mona.sanchez@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7864. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Vacant, Commissioner Jen Weaver, Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Ben Heimsath, Commissioner Amy Wong Mok, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER David Gomez, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Kimberly Taylor, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Preston Reine Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Christopher Limon, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approval of Minutes of the April 20, 2022, Meeting Minutes Discussion and Possible Action (5 minutes) 2. New Business – Discussion and Possible Action a. North Congress Avenue Plaza: State Preservation Board b. Downtown Homelessness Activity c. Downtown Public Improvement District Authorization 3. Old Business – a. Staff Updates b. Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non-voting members: i. Update from Commissioner Jen Weaver on recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission ii. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark Commission iii. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission iv. Update from Commissioner Amy Wong Mok on recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission v. Update from (vacant position) on recent activities and actions taken by the Music Commission vi. Update from Commissioner Kimberly Taylor on recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board vii. Update from Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez on recent activities and actions taken by the Public Safety Commission 4. Potential Future Agenda Items Adjournment The Commission may discuss and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentations. The City of Austin is committed to …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: 20220518-2c Downtown Public Improvement District Authorization The Downtown Commission recommends that the Austin City Council support the authorization of the Downtown Public Improvement District. Commissioner Joel Sher Seconded By: Commissioner Ralph Ishmael Date of Approval: May 18, 2022 For: Chair August Harris, Vice Chair Christopher Lehman, Commissioner Ralph Ishmael, Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Megan Meisenbach, Absent: Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Mike Lavigne. Commissioner Preston Reine was off the dais. Vacant: Commissioner District 3 Attest: Christine Maguire, Commission Executive Liaison, Economic Development Department Christine Maguire, Economic Development Department Recommendation Motioned By: Vote 6-0 Against: None Abstain: None
Downtown Commission May 18, 2022 D I A N N A G R E Y, H O M E L ES S S T R AT EGY O F F I C E R Today’s Topics Camping Ordinance HEAL Initiative Summit & American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Investment Framework Homelessness Social Service & Housing Solicitations Housing Production Cold Weather Shelter & Crisis Shelter Downtown Austin Alliance: Monthly Unsheltered Homeless Count Public Space Management Summary of Local & State Public Camping Laws Proposition B – Effective 5/11/2021 HB 1925 – Effective 9/1/2021 Phased implementation. COA routes citations or arrests through the Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC). COA routes citations or arrests through the Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC). § 9‐4‐11 Prohibited Public Camping • Establishes a misdemeanor offense if a person camps in a public area that is not designated as a camping area by the Parks and Recreation Department. § 9‐4‐13 Prohibited Solicitation • A person commits an offense if the person solicits in an aggressive manner. § 9‐4‐14 Prohibited Sitting or Lying in Downtown Area Establishes a State‐wide prohibition on public camping. Defines responsibility for storage of personal belongings. Creates pathway for local entities to apply to State for approval of designated and resourced camping locations. Local entities found by a court to be in violation of the law will lose all State grant funds for a period of two years. 242 citations or individual enforcement actions as of 4/22/2022 HEAL Initiative Housing‐Focused Encampment Assistance Link Encampments Receiving HEAL Intervention to Date Terrazas Branch Library Menchaca/Ben White underpass 183/Oak Knoll underpass Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail (near Buford Tower) Old San Antonio Road/Slaughter Creek IH‐35 Frontage Road/St. Johns Avenue West Bouldin Creek (near Dougherty Arts Center & Alliance Children’s Garden) St. John Neighborhood Park Gillis Park Fiscal Year 2022 Goal: Actual through 5/17/22: Inception to date: Shelter Acceptance Rate: 200 Served 119 256 90% Race Equity: HEAL Relative to the Homeless and Travis County Population Hispanic / Latin(o(a)(x) 34% 27% 11% 8% 37% 40% Black / African American White 55% 49% 72% 0% 10% 20% Travis County 30% 50% 60% 70% 80% HEAL 40% Homelessness Population The Summit Investment Plan A summary of the outcomes and investments by category People Served or Housing Units Year 1 1,008 Year 3 2,089 Year 2 …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION APRIL 20, 2022, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission, Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon April 19 is required for remote participation. To register, please contact mona.sanchez@austintexas.gov or (412) 461-5967. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Vacant, Commissioner Jen Weaver, Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Ben Heimsath, Commissioner Amy Wong Mok, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER David Gomez, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Kimberly Taylor, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Preston Reine Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Christopher Limon, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approval of Minutes of the February 16, 2022, Meeting Minutes Discussion and Possible Action (5 minutes) 2. New Business – Discussion and Possible Action a. Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) Phase 2 Improvement Project b. Equity-Based Historic Preservation Plan c. Downtown Mobility: Scooter Activity d. Convention Center Expansion: Downtown Commission Working Group Recommendation e. Election of Downtown Commission Officers 3. Old Business – a. Staff Updates b. Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non-voting members: i. Update from Commissioner Jen Weaver on recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission ii. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark Commission iii. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission iv. Update from Commissioner Amy Wong Mok on recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission v. Update from Commissioner Christopher Limon on recent activities and actions taken by the Music Commission vi. Update from Commissioner Kimberly Taylor on recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board vii. Update from Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez on recent activities and actions taken by the Public Safety Commission 4. Potential Future Agenda Items Adjournment The …
CIP ID#5201.008 ESB-MACC Phase 2 Improvements Schematic Design Presentation Miró Rivera-Tatiana Bilbao LLC April 20, 2022 ESB-MACC Waterloo Greenway Status: In-progress (2021-2026) Waterloo Greenway is a 1.5-mile park system that encompasses 35 acres of connected green space, beginning at 15th St. and ending at the edge of Lady Bird Lake (alongside the ESB-MACC). Pontoon Bridge Status: Feasibility A new pontoon bridge is planned to connect the Waterloo Greenway project with South Austin. The floating bridge will provide pedestrian access across Lady Bird Lake. Rainey Street Trailhead Park Status: Schematic Design Rainey Street Trailhead Park is a gateway to the riverside trails; an important entry point from Rainey Street that enhances the ecology of the area and provides new recreational uses, increasing amenities for the neighborhood and Trail users. SITE AND BUILDING ANALYSIS Site, Context and Sustainability 2 THE ESB-MACC Project development 3 MACC DEVELOPMENT 2000: Original Master Plan 2007: Phase 1 = Completed 2010: Phase 1A = Completed 2018: Facilities Expansion Plan 2020: Start of Phase 2 Teodoro González de León Phase 1 1998 - 2009 Phase 2 2017 onwards Phase 3 Future THE ESB-MACC Project development 4 THE ESB-MACC Mission / Goals PHASE 2 - MISSION / GOALS 1. Increase visibility and presence 2. Connect to urban fabric 3. Preserve and enhance parkland 4. Elevate civic gathering space 5. Complete Teodoro’s original vision Urban Design Guidelines Goals 5 Youth Caminos Participants Cultural Arts and Community groups General Public Legacy stakeholders Adjacent neighbors Civic Organizations City Staff ESB-MACC COMMUNITY Schools and Libraries PARD Management ESB MACC Executives and Staff Advisory Committees Boards and Commissions Elected Officials ESB MACC Advisory Board THE ESB-MACC The Community 6 CONTEXT CHALLENGES // SECURING THE ZOCALO Level 2 Level 1 Level 2 Level 1 Level -1 Lady Bird Lake Lady Bird Lake Existing condition of the ESB-MACC Plaza Introduction of a containing wall that limits the Zócalo 7 DESIGN CONCEPT Defining the Space 8 Existing Condition DESIGN CONCEPT Defining the Space 9 Extension of North and South wings DESIGN CONCEPT Defining the Space 10 Adding a lake level will provide area to the development while securing the Zócalo DESIGN CONCEPT Defining the Space 11 This is where we are today - new wings on the North and South and a Lake Level SHADE STRUCTURE, REF ARCH EXISTING GRADE FINISHED GRADE, BEYOND 443.00' FIN. GRADE PLANTED SLOPE SITE SECTION @ LOWER PLAZA 1/16" = 1'-0" SITE …
EQUITY-BASED HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN Downtown Commission—April 20, 2022 GOAL Replace Austin’s 1981 preservation plan with an inclusive, equity-focused, and community- oriented process and outcome WHY NOW? • Substantial population growth • High development pressure Preservation plan approved I N O T A L U P O P WHY NOW? • Substantial population growth • High development pressure EQUITY + COMMUNITY • Older buildings house people affordably • Older buildings allow increased density at a human scale • Older buildings support small local businesses EQUITY + COMMUNITY • Places anchor community and memory EQUITY + COMMUNITY Images (clockwise from top): Westside Preservation Alliance/Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, Columbia University, City and County of San Francisco, Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, National Trust for Historic Preservation, San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation EQUITY + COMMUNITY • How can we better recognize, preserve, and share important places and stories? • How can preservation policies and tools address essential issues like sustainability, affordability, and displacement? • How can citizens co-create preservation policies? ) t h g i r ( i n o s u c n l I l i a c o S d n a n o i t a v r e s e r P , ) r e t n e c d n a t f e l ( n i t s u A f o y t i C / r i a h C n e p O : s e g a m I COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS PHASE 2 Many opportunities for detailed feedback, prioritization, additions COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS Professional facilitator COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS 26 community members 19 ZIP codes 13 members opting into compensation AUSTIN WORKING GROUP COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS ✓ Affordable housing advocate ✓ Archaeologist ✓ Architect ✓ Attorney ✓ Business owner ✓ City board or commission ✓ Community member ✓ Contractor ✓ Developer Economic development organization (withdrew) ✓ Educational institution ✓ Engineer ✓ Heritage organization Heritage tourism professional (withdrew) ✓ Historic property owner ✓ Historical commission (City, County, State) Landscape architect (withdrew) ✓ Neighborhood association ✓ Preservation organization ✓ Preservation consultant ✓ Religious institution ✓ Social justice organization ✓ Urban planner/planning organization LAYING THE FOUNDATION LAYING THE FOUNDATION PHASE 1 – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 26-member community working group Essential Background and Process July ’21 Introduction and goals Aug. Sept. Equity workshop Decision-making Community heritage survey Topics Oct. Vision for the plan / …
Austin Transportation Department Shared Micro-Mobility Program Update Jason Redfern, Parking Enterprise Manager Joseph Al-hajeri, Program Manager BRIEFING OVERVIEW Quick History Data Management/Analysis Program Regulation & Fees Safety and Infrastructure Licenses and Devices Enforcement/Compliance Data Trends Program Success Future Program Enhancements MICRO-MOBILITY HISTORY IN AUSTIN 2018 - 2021 Fall 2018 Final Director Rules adopted May 2019 Ordinance 14-9 revised to allow licensing and permitting November 2021 Device cap + reduced speed requirement April 2018 Scooters deployed in Austin – Emergency rules adopted to regulate service December 2018 Adopted new fee of $0.15 per trip October 2021 Adopted application fee and adjusted trip fee to range of $0.15 - $0.40. SHARED MICRO-MOBILITY PROGRAM REGULATION & FEES REGULATION CITY APPROVED FEES Texas Transportation Code, Title 7 • Chapter 551. - Operation of bicycles and mopeds, golf carts, and other low-powered vehicles. Title 14 Use of Streets and Public Property • §14-9-23 - City-wide dockless transportation • §14-9-24 - City-wide dockless transportation license authorized. unit placement plan. revocation. • §14-9-25 - License amendment, suspension, or Title 12 Traffic Enforcement • §12-2 - Micro-Mobility Devices and Bicycles. Fee Type Fee Amount Note License Fee $1,500 per year New since FY 22/23 Per Device Fee $80 per device/ per year Increased from $60 in FY22/23 Trip Fee $0.15 - $0.40 per trip Currently $0.15 and evaluating an escalating fee process. Fee range approved FY22/23 SHARED MICRO-MOBILITY PROGRAM CURRENT LICENSES AND DEVICE TYPES Stand-Up Scooter Licensed Companies 4 Device Permits 14,100 Permit Breakdown by Device Type 11,850 Sit-Down Scooter E-Bike Program Adjustments (as of fall 2021) • Moratorium on device permit increases in downtown • Required reduction of speed from 20mph – 15mph • Increased enforcement 1,750 500 WHAT THE DATA SAYS 600,000 500,000 400,000 I S P R T 300,000 200,000 100,000 - Micro-Mobility Scooter & E-Bike Trips By Month (2018-2021) SXSW ACL COVID Restrictions ACL SXSW E-Bike Scooter MONTH/YEAR DATA MANAGEMENT/ ANALYSIS Third Party Data Management Data Quality / Planning Tools Increased Public Data Availability & Protection of PII SAFETY AND INFRASTRUCTURE • Upgrading micromobility parking corrals – Increasing visibility and awareness using 2020 Mobility Bond. • Use of new combined data to better understand critical safety and infrastructure enhancements. • Contributed to device standards for commercial electric scooters to define required safety standards for devices. • Geofencing and in-app approaches to limit speeds, inform riders of parking areas and where not to leave devices. …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: 20220420-2(d) Convention Center Expansion Working Group Whereas: Convention & trade show attendance has not recovered to pre-"great recession" 2008/2009 levels and national convention center attendance was generally declining in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas: Austin has never met its hotel room night goals (332K) listed in the consulting reports advocating for the 2002 convention center expansion. The 2018 number was 246K. Whereas: Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund revenue, which pays for prior and future convention center expansions, declined significantly during COVID-19 and has yet to stabilize - let alone return to pre- COVID levels. Whereas: Austin is currently paying for multiple Convention Center-related bonds, including the 2002 expansion (maturing in 2029), and the Austin Convention Center Enterprises Hilton Hotel bond – which is in jeopardy of defaulting while any convention expansion construction occurs. Whereas: Austin convention center expansion plans were conceived with pre-COVID-19 assumptions, not taking into account the increasing shift to hybrid gatherings. Whereas: A research team led by UT academics published findings in Nature Sustainability (Dec. 2021) concluding that the recent shift to hybrid conventions produced both environmental and inclusivity benefits as physical attendance dropped. Whereas: Total Central Business District room demand from 2018 was 2.8M, and total Convention Center room nights were 246,235, which indicates that even pre-COVID the Convention Center accounted for fewer than 9% of total Central Business District rooms. Whereas: In past years pre Covid 19, the Austin Convention Center drove a small part of the tourism economy, accounting for approximately 2% of the tourists who come to Austin. Whereas: The completion of the Fairmont which is connected to the Austin Convention Center added nearly 140,000 square feet of meeting room space, effectively expanding the convention center at no cost to taxpayers to accommodate larger events while increasing competition for smaller events, and the Marriott Downtown offers over 60,000square feet of meeting space, and is located across the street from the Convention Center with similar benefits and costs to the convention center. Whereas: San Antonio, Dallas and Houston all presently have larger convention facilities. In an already competitive market and with Austin's convention center attendance suffering from the pandemic, Austin will likely find it increasingly challenging to compete in an eroding market with ever-increasing supply and shrinking demand. Whereas: Dallas has recently announced a multi-billion-dollar convention expansion where they project their attendance to more than …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION DRAFT MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 The Downtown Commission convened in a meeting on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. David Gomez, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Downtown Commissioners in Attendance: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Amy Mok, Commissioner Downtown Commissioners Not in Attendance: Preston Reine, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner City Staff in Attendance: Susana Carbajal, Christine Maguire, and Mona Sanchez, Economic Development Department Heidi Tse, Public Works Department Elizabeth Brummett and Cara Bertron, Housing and Planning Department Jason Redfern, Joseph Al-hajeri and Mary Vo, Austin Transportation Department Ben Heimsath, Commissioner Jen Weaver, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No citizens were signed up to speak. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 16, 2022, MEETING MINUTES The February 16, 2022, Downtown Commission meeting minutes were adopted. 2. NEW BUSINESS - Discussion and Possible Action a. Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) Phase 2 Improvement Project The Commission received a presentation by Heidi Tse, Public Works Department. No action was taken. b. Equity-Based Historic Preservation Plan The Commission received a presentation by Elizabeth Brummett, Housing and Planning Department. No action was taken. c. Downtown Mobility: Scooter Activity - 1 - The Commission received a presentation by Jason Redfern, Joseph Al-hajeri and Mary Vo, Austin Transportation Department. The Commission passed Downtown Commission Recommendation 22020420-2(c) on a vote of 8-0. d. Convention Center Expansion: Downtown Commission Working Group The Commission passed Downtown Commission Recommendation 20220420-2(d) on a vote of 6-1; Commissioner Joel Sher voting no. e. Election of Downtown Commission Officers Commissioner Meisenbach motioned to reinstate Chair August Harris and Vice Chair Christopher Lehman with Commissioner Gomez second on a vote of 8-0. 3. OLD BUSINESS Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non-voting members: a. Update from Commissioner Jen Weaver on recent activities and actions taken by the Design b. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Commission No Updates Historic Preservation Commission. No updates c. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) Commissioner Weatherby reported that the UTC had a report on the Red River realignment, d. Update from Commissioner Amy …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2022, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission, Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please email mona.sanchez@austintexas.gov or call (512) 974-7864. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Chris Kanipe, Commissioner Jen Weaver, Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Ben Heimsath, Commissioner kYmberly Keeton, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER David Gomez, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Kimberly Taylor, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Preston Reine Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Christopher Limon, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner AGENDA CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approval of Minutes of the January 19, 2022 Meeting Minutes Discussion and Possible Action (5 minutes) a. Convention Center Expansion: Downtown Commission Working Group 2. New Business – Discussion Recommendation 3. Old Business – a. Staff Updates b. Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non-voting members: i. Update from Commissioner Jen Weaver on recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission ii. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark Commission iii. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission iv. Update from Commissioner kYmberly Keeton on recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission v. Update from Commissioner Christopher Limon on recent activities and actions taken by the Music Commission vi. Update from Commissioner Kimberly Taylor on recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board vii. Update from Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez on recent activities and actions taken by the Public Safety Commission 4. Potential Future Agenda Items Adjournment The Commission may discuss and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentations The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable …
