REGULAR MEETING of the EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 6:00 PM Permitting and Development Center – Event Center, First Floor, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board may be participating by videoconference. 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. To speak in person, registration is required at least 10 min prior to the start of the meeting. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3771 or michelle.rojas@austintexas.gov BOARD MEMBERS Angelica Navarro, Chair (D-8) Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair (Mayor) Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member (D-10) Anthony Martinez, Member (D-4) Noemi Castro, Member (D-2) Lynda Quintana, Member (D,6) Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member (D-7) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member (D-1) John Estrada, Member (D-3) Selma Sanchez, Member (D-9) Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (D-5) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a (3) three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Regular Meeting of August 6, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, August and September programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative and Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager 3. Staff briefing on the Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME) Creative Reset Phase 2 community engagement and timeline. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Marion Sanchez, Interim Communications and Engagement, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Update on Phase 2 Construction Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Presentation by Iván Dávila from the Coalition for Austin's Arts & Spanish-language Theater (CAAST). (Sponsors: Estrada, Reyna) Presenter(s): Iván Dávila, Founder of Coalition for Austin’s Arts & Spanish- language Theater (CAAST) WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from Music Hub Programming …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2025 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at City Hall – Board and Commissions Room located at 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas 78701. (Some members of the ESB-MACC Advisory Board participated via videoconference.) Chair Navarro called the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Meeting to order at 6:08pm. Board Members in Attendance: Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Angelica Navarro, Chair Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Noemi Castro, Member Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member (Arrived at 6:43pm) John Estrada, Member Lynda Quintana, Member Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Selma Sanchez, Member Board Members Absent: Anthony Martinez, Member Staff in Attendance: Marjorie Flanagan, PARD Division Manager of Museums and Cultural Programs Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor Tina Davila, ESB-MACC Administrative Specialist PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker 1: Iván Dávila, Founder of Coalition for Austin's Arts & Spanish-language Theater (CAAST), shared that he lived in Austin for over 20 years and that during that time, he performed with Teatro Vivo, a Latino theater comedy project. Through that experience, he had witnessed firsthand the challenges that Latino artists-particularly Spanish-language artists-face in Austin. Those challenges ultimately inspired him to join forces with other Spanish-language artists to form CAAST. Dávila emphasized there was a lack of dedicated space, production support, sustainable funding, and infrastructure necessary for artists to develop their work both responsibly and artistically. He requested the board include CAAST on their September 10, 1 2025, agenda to present their pilot proposal and to vote on the creation of an infrastructure working group made up of artists and board members. Speaker 2: Anjanette Gautier Castro introduced herself as a business owner, actress, artist, and member of CAAST. She stated that she was present to respectfully request the Board’s support in forming a working group to explore an initiative that aligns closely with the mission and strategic goals of the ESB-MACC. The proposed initiative would focus on expanding production support and creating dedicated opportunities for Spanish-language performing artists. She expressed her belief that the MACC had the potential to bridge the cultural gap and truly serve as a home for artists. Speaker 3: Karla Gutierrez, theater actress, producer and member of CAAST …
9.10.25 MACC Sta(cid:431) Report – Website - Facebook - Instagram Please share our social media posts, sign up for our newsletter, and check out our upcoming events! Casa de la Cultura We have a new name for these programs! Holistic Wellness Programs are now under “Casa de la Cultura”. Past: All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am Southeast Library Attendance: 70 Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Learn to Kayak: Every Second Wednesday @ 6pm-7:30pm Austin Rowing Club Attendance: 11 Join us on Lady Bird Lake and paddle through the heart of Downtown Austin . Choose a single or double kayak or paddleboard. Chair Yoga: 3rd Wed o(cid:31) each month @ 10am Dove Springs Recreation Center Attendance: 11 A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Chair Yoga: 3rd Friday o(cid:31) each month @ 10am Windsor Park Branch Attendance: 7 A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Upcoming: All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am Southeast Library Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Learn to Kayak: Every Second Wednesday @ 6pm-7:30pm Austin Rowing Club Join us on Lady Bird Lake and paddle through the heart of Downtown Austin. Choose a single or double kayak or paddleboard. Chair Yoga: 3rd Wed o(cid:31) each month @ 10am Dove Springs Recreation Center ----------------------------------------------------------- Chair Yoga: 3rd Friday o(cid:31) each month @ 10am Windsor Park Branch A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Youth and Family Education The Educa(cid:415)on team has been hard at work preparing for our upcoming a(cid:332)er-school programs and community outreach events. We are con(cid:415)nuing our partnership with the Lending Library program to bring MACC-(cid:415)vi(cid:415)es to recrea(cid:415)on centers across Aus(cid:415)n, expanding access to cultural arts programming. The Smart Kids program, in partnership with Communi(cid:415)es in Schools, will also resume on October 6. In addi(cid:415)on to a(cid:332)er-school ini(cid:415)a(cid:415)ves, the team is preparing engaging ac(cid:415)vi(cid:415)es for community events. For this year’s El Grito celebra(cid:415)on at Republic Square (6–9pm), we will host hands-on art …
CULTURAL AND MUSEUM FACILITIES: AUTHENTICALLY AUSTIN Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Department Creative Reset Initiative Phase II-Presentation EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Permitting and Development Center DRAFT 2025-09-08 SECTIONS: • Deliverables • Research Foundation • Engagement Foundations • Marketing and Outreach • Questions, comments, feedback 2 DELIVERABLES FINAL DELIVERABLES RESEARCH AND ENGAGEMENT CLOSE-OUT TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY, TRUST, ACCESSIBILITY, AND LONG-TERM USABILITY, THE FOLLOWING TOOLS WILL BE PRODUCED AND SHARED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE ENGAGEMENT AND RESEARCH PROCESS: Summary of Findings Report: A clear and accessible report that includes: • Demographic overview of participants • • Community-identified needs, aspirations, and recommendations • Visuals (e.g., charts, quotes, photos) to highlight findings Key themes and insights from engagement Open Data Publication: All de-identified raw data (e.g., survey results, coded themes, engagement activity responses) will be published on the City of Austin’s Open Data Portal to support transparency and future analysis. PublicInput.com Engagement Page: The engagement portal will house: • All background materials and translated content • Meeting notes and activity summaries • Archived surveys and engagement tools Links to final deliverables and next steps • Interactive Dashboard (Pending support): A dynamic, filterable dashboard that allows users to explore data based on variables of selected attributes, such as: • • Cultural Centers’ Comparison Card: A tool that compares resources and activities among cultural and Museum Engagement Data: Geographic area, language, type of engagement, and emerging themes facilities Visual Installation of Community Thoughts: A tangible collage to be used as a backdrop for inspiration and action anchoring. Final Presentations: A visual presentation (PowerPoint or PDF) summarizing the process, participation, and outcomes— designed for use with City leadership, staff, community, etc. 4 RESEARCH FOUNDATION LIST OF FACILITIES Note: All faculties will receive the engagement activities as outlined in the plan, unless a note is added. The Connelly-Yerwood “Pink House” is waiting for confirmation from leadership. Cultural Centers: •Asian American Resource Center (AARC) •Dougherty Arts Center (DAC) •Emma S Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) •George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural & Genealogy Center (Carver and Genealogy) Museums: •Elizabet Ney Museum •Susanna Dickinson Museum (Brush Square Museums) •The O’Henry Museum (Bursh Square Museums) •UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum (UMLAUF, management contract, limited activities to include survey and one staff engagement meeting) Historical Facilities: •African American Cultural & Heritage Facility + Dedrick Hamilton House (AACHF) •Montopolis Negro School (The …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2 Improvements Project Update September 10, 2025 Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Project Manager PROJECT TIMELINE: ESB MACC Groundbreaking for Phase 2 Improvements / Move-Out Began– 12/10/22. • • Parking Lot Closure – 3/10/23. • Contractor Mobilization/Pre-construction Inspections – Began 3/11/23. • Permitting (Site) – Approved on 7/25/23. • Bidding & Negotiation (GMP1/Site) – Executed contract on 8/28/23. • Construction (Site) – Underway since 8/28/23. • Permitting (Building) – Approved on 3/4/24. • Bidding & Negotiation (GMP2/Building) – Executed contract on 3/7/24. • Construction (Site + Building) – Currently underway. • AIPP ESB-MACC Phase 2 – Artist(s) selection approval by Austin City Council on 8/29/24 • • Building dry-in – Process of ensuring the building envelope is weather sealed is expected September. Topping Out – Topmost structural beam was lifted into place on 9/11/24. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS: • • • • Zocalo paver installation 90% complete. Landscape installation 75% complete. Site furnishings bike racks and benches installation in progress. Interior ceiling, flooring and lighting installation 90% complete. • Plumbing fixtures installation 75% complete. • Kitchen appliances installed. • Window shades and acoustical panels installation 80%. • Data, and security installation in progress. ANNOUNCEMENTS: • Katherine Telley and Ruben Esquivel, the awarded artists for ESB MACC Phase 2, Art in Public Places (AIPP) project are working on the design of their titled piece, Arcos de Conexión. Please visit AIPP website for more announcements. • Concrete pours will continue. Work hours will adhere to the City’s noise ordinance. Ordinance information can be found here. • The Confluence, a separate public/private partnership project is using the parking lot as construction access point for the east side of the creek delta. Improvements are also being made to provide connection between the MACC and The Confluence at the west edge of the parking lot. Additional information can be found here. • Drone video illustrating ESB MACC site work can be found here. SCHEDULED MILESTONES: • Construction began – August 28, 2023 • Anticipated completion of all major construction activity – September 2025 • Anticipated reopening – November 1, 2025 Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible, but all dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and weather. For information on ESB MACC programs and staff relocations during construction, visit the MACC webpage: www.austintexas.gov/department/emma-s-barrientos-mexican-american-cultural-center For project updates, visit …
e r t a e h T e g a u g n a L - h s i n a p S d n a s t r A s n i t s u A r o f n o i t i l ’ a o C Sept. 10, 2025 Presentation to the ESB MACC Advisory Board Iván Dávila Karla Zodapop Soledad Bautista Overview 01 02 03 04 05 06 Who We Are Our History The Problem 2027 FY Proposal MACC Phase 3 Expansion Our Request to the Board Who We Are A coalition of Latino and Spanish-language performing artists and companies with local and national acclaim that have been making theatre for more than 20 years. 03 Our Objective Build equity, coordination, and infrastructure for Latino and Spanish-language performing arts in Austin. 01 Our Vision Purpose: Develop existing infrastructure at the MACC and City level to create coordination of resources that supports Latino and Spanish-language performing arts in Austin, helping achieve equity and building a city that is more welcoming to all. 02 Our History Chicano Movement (1970s): call for a Latino cultural space Mayor Gus García: champion for Latino inclusion Austin Latino Theatre Alliance (1990s): united Latino theatre and advanced the ESB MACC vision 2007: Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center opens after decades of advocacy 04 Austin Today Between fiscal years 2015 and 2021, White-led organizations received approximately $37 million (57.4%) in funding, over six times the $6 million (9.3%) awarded to Latinx-led groups.* Despite being the fastest-growing demographic and representing 33% of Austin's population, the Latino community receives only 9% of the funding, highlighting a significant disparity. 05 *Source: City of Austin Economic Development Department Total Investment - Concerns of Inequitable Distribution* *Data shows self-reported leadership/staff demographics FY15-FY 21 only. We recognize this is only one indicator 06 Source: City of Austin Economic Development Department WhiteNo Single GroupLatinXMulti-RacialAsianBlackNative AmericanHawaiian$0$10,000,000$20,000,000$30,000,000$40,000,000 The Problem Spanish-language performing arts companies do not have equitable access to: Production infrastructure (lights, sound, tech) Consistent rehearsal/performance space Systematized city support 07 Our Vision for Addressing the Problem A vibrant Austin performing arts scene that reflects and celebrates all of its cultural heritage and is integrated into the city operation, and can garner private and foundation support for sustainability. 08 How It Aligns with ESB MACC’s Vision MACC as an incubator and a production hub for established and/or emerging Latino and …
REGULAR MEETING of the EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 6:00 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions Room 301 W. Second St. Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board may be participating by videoconference. 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. To speak in person, registration is required at least 10 min prior to the start of the meeting. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3771 or michelle.rojas@austintexas.gov BOARD MEMBERS Angelica Navarro, Chair (D-8) Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair (Mayor) Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member (D-10) Anthony Martinez, Member (D-4) Noemi Castro, Member (D-2) Lynda Quintana, Member (D,6) Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member (D-7) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member (D-1) John Estrada, Member (D-3) Selma Sanchez, Member (D-9) Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (D-5) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a (3) three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Regular Meeting of June 4, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, June, July and August programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative and Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on Phase 2 Construction Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Presentation and recommendation on an updated budget request to support Academia Cuauhtli’s programming for fiscal year 25-26 budget. (Sponsors: Zamarripa-Saenz, Martinez) Presenter(s): Dr. María Del Carmen Unda, Academia Cuauhtli 5. Creation of Grand Opening Working Group. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from Music Hub Programming Working Group 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 …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2025 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at City Hall – Board and Commissions Room located at 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas 78701. (Some members of the ESB-MACC Advisory Board participated via videoconference.) Chair Navarro called the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Meeting to order at 6:00pm. Board Members in Attendance: Angelica Navarro, Chair Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Noemi Castro, Member Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member John Estrada, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (Arrived at 6:17pm) Lynda Quintana, Member Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Board Members Absent: Anthony Martinez, Member Selma Sanchez, Member Staff in Attendance: Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor Tina Davila, ESB-MACC Administrative Specialist PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No sign-ups for public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the Regular meeting of May 7, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Zamarripa-Saenz motion. Member Reyna seconded. Unanimous vote (8.0). Motion passed. Members Herrera, Martinez and Sanchez absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, April and May programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative provided updates on their Holistic Wellness Programs (HWP), Education, Caminos Teen Leadership programming, and current and upcoming marketing and outreach events. Tamzarian reminded the board of their Awards of Excellence (AOE) event that would take place Saturday, June 28th from 3pm-5pm at the Long Center – Kodosky Lounge. She gave a summary of the event, informing everyone about what to expect, and requested that the winners not be publicly disclosed until an official announcement was made. She indicated the announcement would be shared on their social media platforms and through the City’s news release on June 20, 2025. (Please see the Board and Commissions Website for backup material.) DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on the ESB-MACC Phase 2 Construction Project. Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager provided a brief overview of the current project timeline, announcements, scheduled milestones, as well as photos showing the construction progress. (Please see the Board and Commissions Website for backup material.) 4. Discussion on Annual Internal Review Report. Chair Navarro notified the board that the Annual Internal Review …
8.6.25 MACC Staff Report – Website - Facebook - Instagram Please share our social media posts, sign up for our newsletter, and check out our upcoming events! Holistic Wellness Programming Past: June & July 2025 Salsa & Bachata Basics Thursdays in June @ 6:30pm-7:30pm Pam Am Recreation Center Attendance: 14 – 17 / Session Learn basic steps and body movements that define these popular Latin American dances. No prior experience or partner is needed. Adult Beginner Swim Lessons Tuesdays and Thursdays June 10 - July 3 @ 6 - 6:40pm Mabel Davis Municipal Pool Attendance: 6 / Session ___________________________________________________________________________________ Youth Beginner Swim Lessons (concurrent) Attendance: 9 / Session Students will learn to feel comfortable in the water and basic skills to develop positive attitudes and safe practices in and around the water. Learn to Row June 5th @ 6-7:30pm (Make-up day) Austin Rowing Club Attendance:12 Join us on Lady Bird Lake to be introduced to sweep rowing (using one oar) in a training barge. Learn rowing stroke basics, how to stay safe on the water and handle the rowing equipment. Expect a fun, beginner friendly, and lively experience. All-Levels Yoga Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am Southeast Library Attendance: 24 Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Chair Yoga 3rd Wed of each month @ 10am Dove Springs Recreation Center Attendance: 5 ____________________________________________ 3rd Friday of each month @ 10am Windsor Park Branch Attendance: 7 A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Cine de Oro Tuesday, June 24th @ 9-12pm Conley Guerrero Senior Activity Center Attendance: 41 Join us for a screening of a film from the golden age of Mexican cinema. Lunch will be served. Healing Garden Workday Sunday, June 29th @ 8:30am – 10am Sunset Valley Community Garden Attendance: 8 At the ESB-MACC's Healing Garden, we grow herbs that can be used in everyday health. If you are interested in gardening or sharing in our harvest, join us for one of our workdays. Volunteers will be working hands on maintaining the garden and its infrastructure. Summer Solstice & Three Sisters Garden Sunday, June 29, 8:30am-10:00am Attendance: 10 In this sunny workshop we will celebrate the summer solstice by planting our traditional three sisters garden with beans, corn and …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2 Improvements Project Update August 6, 2025 Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Project Manager PROJECT TIMELINE: ESB MACC Groundbreaking for Phase 2 Improvements / Move-Out Began– 12/10/22. • • Parking Lot Closure – 3/10/23. • Contractor Mobilization/Pre-construction Inspections – Began 3/11/23. • Permitting (Site) – Approved on 7/25/23. • Bidding & Negotiation (GMP1/Site) – Executed contract on 8/28/23. • Construction (Site) – Underway since 8/28/23. • Permitting (Building) – Approved on 3/4/24. • Bidding & Negotiation (GMP2/Building) – Executed contract on 3/7/24. • Construction (Site + Building) – Currently underway. • AIPP ESB-MACC Phase 2 – Artist(s) selection approval by Austin City Council on 8/29/24 • • Building dry-in – Process of ensuring the building envelope is weather sealed is expected August. Topping Out – Topmost structural beam was lifted into place on 9/11/24. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS: • • • Zocalo paver installation 80% complete. Sculpture garden granite path in progress. Landscape installation underway. • Windows & doors being tested for water seal and airtightness. • Dividing partitions installed in classrooms. • • Interior flooring installation in progress. Interior shelving and cabinetry installed. • Exterior and interior lighting installation in progress. ANNOUNCEMENTS: • Large hauls and concrete pours will continue. Work hours will adhere to the City’s noise ordinance. Ordinance information can be found here. • The Confluence, a separate public/private partnership project has increased activities at the ESB MACC. The parking lot is the construction access point for the east side of the creek delta. There are trail detours because of the trail enhancements. Additional information can be found here. • The MACC round-about and driveways continue to experience elevated traffic and congestion due to the volume of work in the area and by other developers. Please exercise caution in this district and check for road closures. • Drone video illustrating ESB MACC site work can be found here. SCHEDULED MILESTONES: • Construction began – August 28, 2023 • Anticipated completion of all major construction activity – Late Summer 2025 • Anticipated reopening – November 1, 2025 Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible, but all dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and weather. For information on ESB MACC programs and staff relocations during construction, visit the MACC webpage: www.austintexas.gov/department/emma-s-barrientos-mexican-american-cultural-center For project updates, visit the project website: www.austintexas.gov/MaccPhase2 Zocalo: Paver …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250707-012: Support of Academia Cuauhtli Programming and Expansion WHEREAS, since its founding in 2013, Academia Cuauhtli (founded by Nuestro Grupo, a community-based volunteer organization) was established at the ESB-MACC as a free Saturday culture and language revitalization academy for elementary school children and their parents, with a curriculum focused on Indigeneity, social justice, Tejano history, traditional arts, and danza Mexica and since July 2014, Academia Cuauhtli has served as an official educational enterprise partnered with the Austin Independent School District (AISD) and Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Culture Center (ESB-MACC); and WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli, administered through a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Austin, Austin Independent School District (AISD), and Nuestro Grupo embraces and fulfills the purpose of “making Austin a place where its high quality of life is available to and accessible for all its citizens” by advocating for educational equity and well-being for Austin Independent School District students in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli fulfills its vision statement expressed as “a future where children live with a thinking heart and the courage to pursue their aspirations within the liberating and sacred learning spaces” by overseeing the administrative operations for multiple year long projects which include: Saturday Esquelita (September-March), Summer STEM School (June-August), La Collaborativa Cuauhtli, Cuauhtli Teacher Curriculum Workshops, and a research team comprised of 11 qualitative and quantitative education scholars; and WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli fulfills its mission expressed as “to honor our communities' cultural heritage, foster social justice, and reclaim our collective identities in pursuit of educational freedom” by serving as a means for the comprehensive advancement of the students and their parents—via its strong partnership with students’ parents—by providing a supportive and uplifting learning environment, as well as for providing for the social, and economic needs, including the extensive COVID-related assistance extended to its participant Latino families during the pandemic in Austin, Texas; and WHEREAS, Academia Cuauthli fulfills its mission by enrolling from 2014-2024 over 800 AISD emergent bilingual students, trained over 250 Indigenous/Latinx public school teachers, hosted over 25 professional development workshops, initiated Cuauhtli’s Grow Your Own bilingual leadership development program for AISD teachers of color, and successfully implemented a research-university-community partnership between AISD, UT Austin’s College of Education Department of Educational Leadership and Policy faculty and graduate student researchers, the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies …
Subject: A Community Letter of Support for Academia Cuauhtli June 18, 2025 Austin City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Dear Mayor Kirk Watson and Austin City Council Members: We write to you as parents, teachers, alumni, and community members who have directly and indirectly benefited from and deeply believe in the mission of Academia Cuauhtli (pronounced KWOWT-lee, meaning Eagle Academy). For more than a decade, this community-rooted program has transformed the educational experiences of hundreds of emergent bilingual students across Austin. We thank you for your past support and endorsement of our work. Today, we respectfully urge you to fully fund Academia Cuauhtli’s FY 2025–2026 $106,000 request put forward by the ESB-MACC for operations, alongside additional funding support for the establishment of a full-time Culture and Arts Education Supervisor position. Located at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC), Academia Cuauhtli is more than a Saturday school—it is a lifeline. It provides free, high-quality, culturally sustaining education to our children in Spanish, English, and Nahuatl. It connects us as families, uplifts our heritage, and helps our children develop pride in who they are. The program has shown us that culturally relevant teaching is not only possible but powerful. Our children come home speaking about Tejano history, environmental justice, and ancestral knowledge—and they are excited to learn. The program has supported over 800 AISD students, trained over 250 teachers, and generated more than 18 original curricular units. It has also helped parents access resources during the pandemic and created leadership opportunities for our youth. It has also become a pathway to master’s and doctoral degrees in educational careers at the University of Texas at Austin with whom we also partnered. Though we are also partnered with the Austin Independent School District, we lament that not a single dollar will go toward Academia Cuauhtli this coming school year. Our community-driven, volunteer-based model ensures that every dollar goes directly into instruction, mentorship, and support for our families. However, we cannot sustain neither this impact nor our anticipated growth as we move back into our home at the ESB-MACC this November without your support. A full-time coordinator is urgently needed to manage and grow the program. For years, this work has been carried on the shoulders of volunteers and part-time staff. As the needs of our community grow, so must our ability to meet them. The funding request—part of …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board Community Interest Announcement ESB-MACC Awards of Excellence Ceremony June 28, 2025, at 3:00 pm Long Center- Kodosky Lounge, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704 A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. Michelle Rojas, Board Liaison 512-974-3771
REGULAR MEETING of the EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 6:00 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions Room 301 W. Second St. Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board may be participating by videoconference. 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. To speak in person, registration is required at least 10 min prior to the start of the meeting. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3771 or michelle.rojas@austintexas.gov BOARD MEMBERS Angelica Navarro, Chair (D-8) Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair (Mayor) Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member (D-10) Anthony Martinez, Member (D-4) Noemi Castro, Member (D-2) Lynda Quintana, Member (D,6) Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member (D-7) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member (D-1) John Estrada, Member (D-3) Selma Sanchez, Member (D-9) Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (D-5) CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a (3) three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Regular Meeting of May 7, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, May and June programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative and Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on the ESB-MACC Phase 2 Construction Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager 4. Discussion on Annual Internal Review Report. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Awards of Excellence: Update on event planning and assignment of tasks. (Sponsors: Navarro, Estrada) 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. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2 Improvements Project Update June 4, 2025 Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Project Manager PROJECT TIMELINE: ESB MACC Groundbreaking for Phase 2 Improvements / Move-Out Began– 12/10/22. • • Parking Lot Closure – 3/10/23. • Contractor Mobilization/Pre-construction Inspections – Began 3/11/23. • Permitting (Site) – Approved on 7/25/23. • Bidding & Negotiation (GMP1/Site) – Executed contract on 8/28/23. • Construction (Site) – Underway since 8/28/23. • Permitting (Building) – Approved on 3/4/24. • Bidding & Negotiation (GMP2/Building) – Executed contract on 3/7/24. • Construction (Site + Building) – Currently underway. • AIPP ESB-MACC Phase 2 – Artist(s) selection approval by Austin City Council on 8/29/24 • • Building dry-in – Process of ensuring the building envelope is weather sealed is expected June. Topping Out – Topmost structural beam was lifted into place on 9/11/24. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS: • Snake Path reinstallation in progress. • Tree planting has begun. • • Shade structure painted. Zocalo paver installation underway. • Overhead inspections were passed. • Ceilings are being closed-up. • Cabling for connectivity is being pulled. • Exterior building power wash complete. • Site irrigation system installation in progress ANNOUNCEMENTS: • Pocket Park Mural Dedication by the City of Austin Caminos Teen Leadership Program, Class of 2025 was on Saturday, 5/31/25, from 10:00 – 11:00 am at 64 Rainey Street. Additional information can be found here. • Large hauls will continue. Work hours will adhere to the City’s noise ordinance. Ordinance information can be found here. • The Confluence, a separate public/private partnership project has increased activities at the ESB MACC. The parking lot is the construction access point for the east side of the creek delta. There are trail detours because of the trail enhancements. Additional information can be found here. • The MACC round-about and driveways continue to experience elevated traffic and congestion due to the volume of work in the area and by other developers. Please exercise caution in this district. SCHEDULED MILESTONES: • Construction began – August 28, 2023 • Anticipated completion of all major construction activity – Summer 2025 • Anticipated reopening – November 1, 2025 Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible, but all dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and weather. For information on ESB MACC programs and staff relocations during construction, visit the MACC webpage: …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at City Hall – Board and Commissions Room located at 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas 78701. (Some members of the ESB-MACC Advisory Board participated via videoconference.) Chair Navarro called the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Meeting to order at 6:01pm. Board Members in Attendance: Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Angelica Navarro, Chair Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Anthony Martinez, Member John Estrada, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (Arrived at 6:22pm) Lynda Quintana, Member Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Selma Sanchez, Member (Arrived at 6:08pm) Board Members Absent: Noemi Castro, Member Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member Staff in Attendance: Marjorie Flanagan, PARD Division Manager of Museums and Cultural Programs Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor Tina Davila, ESB-MACC Administrative Specialist PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No sign-ups for public communication. Chair Navarro took a moment to introduce new Board Member Lynda Quintana asking her to share a little about herself and why she was interested in joining the ESB-MACC Advisory Board. Member Quintana shared that she has lived in Austin for 25 years. She was originally from Taos, New Mexico where she grew up in a large family and loved the sense of community. Since she was not in Taos anymore, she wanted to give back to the Austin community, hoping to offer her children the same feeling of community and Hispanic culture. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the Regular meeting of April 2, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Zamarripa- Saenz’s motion. Member Estrada seconded. Unanimous vote (7.0). Motion passed. Members Castro, Duarte, Herrera and Sanchez absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, April and May programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative provided updates on Holistic Wellness Programs (HWP), Caminos Teen Leadership programming, and current and upcoming marketing and outreach events. Erik Granados, ESB-MACC Education Specialist reported on youth and family education programs (Sabados en Familia, CIS Afterschool, Lending Library, Morning Glories, and Dia del Niño) detailing the curriculum, activities and number of participants for each initiative. Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture & Arts …
6.4.25 MACC Staff Report – Website - Facebook - Instagram Please share our social media posts, sign up for our newsletter, and check out our upcoming events! Holistic Wellness Programming Past: All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am Southeast Library Attendance: 42 Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Nourishing Flow: 1st Sat of each month @ 1:30-2:30pm My Vinyasa Practice- SoCo Studio Attendance:3 A gentle and restorative yoga class that invites you to reconnect with your body and breath. Through mindful movement, soothing breathwork, and the healing power of sound, we’ll cultivate a deep sense of relaxation Women’s Self-defense: Saturday, May 10 @ 2pm – 4pm Austin Women’s Boxing Club Attendance:12 We will practice using mixed martial arts techniques from Karate, Jiu Jitsu, and more. You will gain a basic understanding of how to defend yourself using your body Zumba: Saturday, May 10 @ 5pm – 6pm Corazon Latino Dance Studio Attendance:4 Bring your mom, mother figure, friend (or yourself) to this high-energy fitness class that combines Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow dance moves! It’s a fun and effective way to get a full-body workout, improve your cardiovascular health, and burn calories. Tortilla Workshop: Sunday, May 11 @ 3pm – 4:30pm •Session 1: 3-3:30pm •Session 2: 4-4:30pm Veracruz All Natural Attendance:40 Join us for this all-ages event to learn (or perfect!) your corn tortilla making skills, guided by the wonderful folks of Veracruz All Natural! Light snacks and refreshments will be offered. Chair Yoga: 3rd Friday of each month @ 10am Windsor Park Branch Attendance: 6 A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities Affirmations to Overcome Perfectionism & Navigate Negative Self-talk (16+): Saturday, May 17 @ 2pm – 4pm Ruiz Library. Attendance:14 The founders of Sin Miedo Counseling will guide us in understanding the impact of perfectionism and negative self-talk, using affirmations as tools for healing and self-talk, using affirmations as tools for healing and self-compassion. Healing Garden Workday: Sunday, May 18th @ 10am-11am Sunset Valley Community Garden Attendance: 8 Creating Garden Ollas and Water Ceremony: Join us as we learn how to keep our garden soil healthy while exploring the mesoamerican Azteca chinampas farming practices by creating our own garden ollas and close with a guided water ceremony. …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board Community Interest Announcement ESB-MACC Pocket Park Mural Dedication May 31, 2025, at 10:00 am 64 Rainey Street, Austin, TX 78701 (Outdoor Park at the corner of River Street and Rainey Street) A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. Michelle Rojas, Board Liaison 512-974-3771
