REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION July 7, 2025 6:30 PM AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the Music 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 to speak remotely, call or email Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Pedro Carvalho – Vice Chair, Joe Silva – Parliamentarian, Scott Strickland – Secretary, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Clayton England, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Celeste Quesada AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission meeting on June 2, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Formal endorsements of community programs and events briefing by Shelbi Mitchell, Program Coordinator, Music & Entertainment Division. 3. Live Music Fund collections briefing by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 4. FY23 Austin Live Music Fund final reports briefing by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Video licensing of local musicians at the airport following presentation by Louie Carr, Own Path Media and Steve Carlos Kirk, Streak Systems. 6. Presentation on grant opportunities with non-profit organization, Housing Opportunities for Musicians & Entertainers (HOME Austin) by Hanna Cofer, Executive Director, HOME. 7. ACME funding guidelines update by Angela Means, Director and Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME). DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 8. Approval of recommendation for performance rights organizations and transparency in licensing revenue distribution practices following presentation by Secretary Strickland. 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 …
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION June 2, 2025 6:30 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001, 301 W 2ND STREET, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Music 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 to speak remotely, call or email Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Pedro Carvalho – Vice Chair, Joe Silva – Parliamentarian, Scott Strickland – Secretary, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Clayton England, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Celeste Quesada AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission Meeting on April 7 and May 5, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Live Music Fund collections briefing by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 3. Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) Live Music Performances briefing by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. 4. Cultural Funding Community Engagement briefing by Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME). DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. 2025 Texas Women’s Songwriters Festival following presentation by Mandy Rowen. 6. Recent increase in number of performance rights organizations and their licensing revenue distribution practices following presentation by Secretary Strickland. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 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 date. Please call Shelbi Mitchell at the Economic Development Department, at 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Music Commission, please contact Shelbi Mitchell at 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov.
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION May 5, 2025 6:30 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001, 301 W 2ND STREET, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Music 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 to speak remotely, call or email Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Joe Silva – Parliamentarian, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Pedro Carvalho, Clayton England, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Celeste Quesada AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission Meeting on March 3 and April 7, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Live Music Fund collections briefing by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 3. 2024 Austin Live Music Fund Statistics report briefing by Erica Shamaly, Music & Entertainment Division Manager, ACME. 4. Cultural Funding Community Engagement briefing by Candice Cooper, Chief Administrative Officer, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME) and Erica Shamaly, Music & Entertainment Division Manager, ACME. DISCUSSION ITEMS Input on recent increase in number of performance rights organizations and their licensing 5. revenue distribution practices with update from Michael Collins, Broadcast Media Inc. 6. Airport Music Program following presentation by Commissioner Strickland. 7. Artist in Residence Program at New Downtown Development following presentation by Megan Mills and Alex Perkins, Paseo ATX. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 8. Conduct elections for Vice Chair and Secretary for 2025-2026 term. 9. Select a music commission representative for Downtown Commission vacancy. 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 date. Please call Shelbi Mitchell at the Economic Development Department, at 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Music …
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 5/05/2025 H O T E L O C C U P A N C Y T A X C O L L E C T I O N S L I V E M U S I C F U N D Kim McCarson Program Manager UPDATED 4.28.2025 FY 25 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund March 2025 w/ Encumbrances $48,397 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $2,047,707 $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 $48,397 $316,607 $809,445 $17,407 $159,710 $696,141 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 October April November May December June January July February August March September
2024 Austin Live Music Fund Stats Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Music Commission Meeting – May 5, 2025 2024 Austin Live Music Fund – Latest Stats • 136 grant awards accepted so far out of 136 total grant awards (100%) • 135 signed agreements so far out of 136 total grant agreements (99%) • 134 completed Grant Agreement Orientations so far out of 136 total awardees (99%) • 132 completed Financial Information Forms out of 136 forms sent so far to awardees (97%) • 132 first payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (97%) • 70 second payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (51%) • 18 fully paid and completed award of 136 awards (13%) As of 5/1/25 C I TY O F A U S T I N
Statement of the Austin Music Commission Submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office Re: Notice of Inquiry on Issues Related to Performing Rights Organizations Docket No. 2025-1 DRAFT Resolution: Equity and Transparency in Performing Rights Organizations Submitted by the Austin Music Commission Whereas, the city of Austin, Texas is nationally recognized as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” contributing significantly to the cultural and economic vitality of the United States through its diverse music community; and Whereas, Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) play a critical role in administering the licensing and royalty distribution for public performances of copyrighted music; and Whereas, the current structure and practices of PROs have presented increasing challenges related to transparency, equitable compensation, and administrative accessibility for independent artists, small venues, and marginalized communities; and Whereas, the proliferation of PROs without standardized licensing practices has created confusion and compliance burdens, especially for community-based venues and nonprofit cultural institutions; and Whereas, there is a lack of publicly accessible and verifiable data on royalty distribution across demographic, geographic, and genre-based lines, impeding efforts to ensure equity and accountability; and Whereas, significant portions of unclaimed or unmatched “black box royalties” are often distributed to major rights holders by default, without sufficient efforts to trace the original creators, disproportionately impacting emerging and underrepresented artists; and Whereas, many creators, particularly from BIPOC, immigrant, and low-income communities, face barriers to entry in understanding and engaging with the copyright system, PRO registration, and royalty tracking due to systemic inequalities in access, education, and language; and Whereas, local artists and venue operators should not be penalized by licensing frameworks that do not reflect actual usage or local contributions to the cultural economy; and Whereas, the Copyright Office has initiated a Notice of Inquiry on these issues, signaling an opportunity for federal engagement and reform; Now, therefore, be it resolved that the United States Congress recognize the urgent need for reform in the operation of Performing Rights Organizations to ensure equity, transparency, and accountability in the distribution of royalties and licensing practices; and Be it further resolved that Congress direct the U.S. Copyright Office and other relevant agencies to: 1. Mandate transparency from PROs in royalty collection and distribution, including public reporting by genre, geography, and demographic data; 2. Standardize licensing structures to protect small, nonprofit, and local venues from undue burden; 3. Create mechanisms to trace and equitably distribute black box royalties, with a priority …
Statement of the Austin Music Commission Submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office Re: Notice of Inquiry on Issues Related to Performing Rights Organizations Docket No. 2025-1 DRAFT May 5, 2025 Dear Register Perlmutter and Members of Congress, On behalf of the Austin Music Commission, we appreciate the opportunity to submit our perspectives regarding the evolving landscape of Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) and their impact on our vibrant music community in Austin, Texas. Background Austin, known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," thrives on a rich tapestry of musical talent, encompassing songwriters, performers, venues, and a diverse array of music industry professionals. Our city's cultural and economic vitality is deeply intertwined with the health of its music ecosystem. Concerns Regarding PRO Proliferation and Practices We acknowledge the historical role of PROs in simplifying the licensing process for public performances of musical works. However, recent developments have raised concerns: 1. 2. 3. Proliferation of PROs: The increase in the number of PROs has introduced complexities for venues and businesses, leading to confusion over licensing requirements and potential legal vulnerabilities (U.S. Copyright Office) Transparency in Licensing and Royalty Distribution: A lack of comprehensive disclosure regarding the works covered by PRO licenses and the methodologies for royalty distribution undermines trust and fairness in the system (U.S. Copyright Office) Impact on Local Artists: Independent and emerging artists in Austin often face challenges in receiving equitable compensation, as current distribution practices may favor more prominent rights holders. Recommendations To address these issues, we propose the following: • • • Standardization of Licensing Practices: Implementing uniform guidelines across PROs can reduce confusion and ensure venues can comply without undue burden. Enhanced Transparency: Mandating clear disclosure of licensed works and detailed royalty distribution reports will foster accountability and allow artists to verify their earnings.(U.S. Copyright Office) Support for Independent Artists: Establishing mechanisms to ensure fair compensation for all artists, regardless of their commercial stature, will promote a more equitable music industry. What’s completely missing from mandates regarding PROs: 1. Racial & Genre Equity in Royalty Distribution What's missing: No current mandate requires PROs to report demographic or genre data on who is getting paid—and who is not. This leads to systemic underpayment or invisibility for BIPOC artists, particularly in genres like hip-hop, Latin, gospel, or regional roots music. Recommendation: • • Urge Congress to commission or require PROs to conduct equity audits. Request a breakdown of …
Artist in Residence Paseo Hotel & Residences MEET PASEO • Opening Fall 2025 at 80 Rainey Street • Hotel, residences and hospitality • 12th floor pool deck with bar service, in-house coffee shop + bar, coworking lounges, yoga studio, sauna, fitness center, 48th floor rooftop pool, chef’s kitchen, and more • A fully integrated living experience blending design, wellness and culture What is AIR? Paseo's Artist in Residence (AIR) Program offers artists a unique opportunity to create, collaborate, and celebrate Austin’s arts community—all while living rent-free. Located in the heart of Rainey Street, it’s designed to help artists shape culture and connect through their craft. We believe artists shape the soul of a neighborhood. By removing barriers, we give them the freedom to experiment and engage, nurturing creativity that brings Rainey to life. Building on the success of Moontower Phoenix AIR—now in its third year—we’re bringing this proven model to Austin to deepen our commitment to the arts and community. Teaser Video How It Works What We Provide: • • A rent-free apartment at Paseo for one year Full access to amenities: coworking, café & bar, pool deck, fitness spaces, and more What’s Expected: • Host community events that align with your craft • One major artistic contribution (mural, exhibition, performance, etc.) • • Engage the Paseo community + share your journey on social Submit a final portfolio + reflection at the end of the residency Who Can Apply: • • All artists working in any medium at any stage of their career Apply under Visual Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, Culinary Arts, Textile/Craft, or Other What's Next Help spread the word! Share with your networks. We’re calling on Austin’s creators to help shape the next chapter of Rainey Street. • • • • Applications open now through June 1 Panelist Judging in June o Jim Ritts – Paramount Theatre o Michael Hsu – Michael Hsu Office of Architecture o Ben Siegel – Banger’s + Rainey Business Coalition o Jackie Lee Young – Photographer & Creative Director o Matt Peters – Chef, Prélude + Maven o Heath Speakman – Co-founder, SprATX Artists announced early July Residency kicks off Fall 2025 Visit paseoatx.com/artist-in-residence to learn more and apply.
Cultural Funding Community Engagement Music Commission Briefing Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) May 5, 2025 Agenda 1. 2. 3. 4. ACME Funding Program Evaluation & Goals Combined Working & Focus Groups ACME Funding Guideline Updates Community Engagement Timeline ACME Funding Programs - Evaluation & Goals Programs Under Evaluation • Elevate / Nexus / Thrive • Austin Live Music Fund • Creative Space Assistance Program • Heritage Preservation Grant • Art in Public Places Evaluation Goals for ACME Funding Programs Centering underserved communities Encouraging artistic sustainability Reflecting Austin’s cultural richness Serving artists, organizations, and the public equitably Combined Working & Focus Groups ACME Community Engagement Team • • Corporate PIO, Program Staff, and Special Assignments Facilitator Historical Community Feedback • 2020-2025 Data Collection & Analysis New Working Group & Focus Groups • Groups Now Forming ACME Funding Guideline Updates Program Guideline Updates • Community-Focused Approach • Incorporating Engagement Feedback • Language Revision Community Engagement Timeline Questions Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Thank You For Your Partnership!
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION April 7, 2025 6:30 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001, 301 W 2ND STREET, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Music 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 to speak remotely, call or email Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Anne-Charlotte Patterson – Vice Chair, Scott Strickland – Secretary, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Pedro Carvalho, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Celeste Quesada, Joe Silva AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Rick Fuentes & the Brown Express PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission Meeting on March 3, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Live Music Fund collections briefing by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 3. Austin Live Music Fund briefing by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music and Entertainment Division, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Make Music Day Alliance following presentation by Matt Fox, Chapter Advisor, Make Music Day Alliance Inc. 5. SIMS Foundation 30th Anniversary following presentation by Derrick Lesnau, CEO, SIMS Foundation. 6. Input on recent increase in number of performance rights organizations and their licensing revenue distribution practices. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 7. Conduct elections for officers; Chair, Vice Chair, Parliamentarian and Secretary for 2025- 2026 term. 8. Select a music commission representative for Downtown Commission vacancy. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. Update from the Austin Live Music Fund Working Group on Live Music Fund by Chair Nagavalli Medicharla. 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 date. Please call Shelbi Mitchell at the Economic Development Department, at 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on …
Austin Live Music Fund - Update Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Music Commission Meeting – April 7, 2025 2024 Austin Live Music Fund – Latest Stats • 136 grant awards accepted so far out of 136 total grant awards (100%) agreements (99%) • 135 signed agreements so far out of 136 total grant • 134 completed Grant Agreement Orientations so far out of 136 total awardees (99%) • 132 completed Financial Information Forms out of 136 forms sent so far to awardees (97%) • 132 first payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (97%) • 57 second payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (42%) C I T Y O F A U S T I N • 13 fully paid and completed award of 136 awards (10%) As of 4/1/25 Cultural Funding Programs – 2025 Application Schedule Application Launch Considerations: • Candice Cooper – ACME’s New Chief Administrative Officer • Community engagement plan for Cultural Arts funding programs • New laws and regulations from the State of Texas 89th Regular Legislative Session and the federal government affecting ongoing city government operations and policies C I T Y O F A U S T I N 2025 Austin Live Music Fund – Community Feedback Share Feedback Now! The Cultural Arts & Music Funding: Community Engagement survey will remain open through July 2025. C I T Y O F A U S T I N
Matt Fox matt@makemusicday.org Fête de la Musique: France, 1982 A Brief History France, 2024 Fête de la Musique/Make Music Day 2024: National Coordination in 23 Countries United States 18th year, 5,304 events, from block party jams to solo street performers, 141 cities nationwide France 42nd year, estimated 180,000 events nationwide, experienced by 2/3 of the public Germany 30th year with thousands of events across 140 cities, jointly presented with German Music Council Italy 31st year, over 19,000 performers nationwide, coordinated by 894 partner organizations Nigeria 9th year in Lagos with 50 concerts, workshops, seminars; other events in six states Mexico 3rd year, 76 cities with 180 perfor- mances (rock, Norteño, electronic music, etc) and 40,000 attendees Brasil 8th year with music in 100+ cities, from Amazon people to the school districts of Maringá and São Paulo China 9th year with 15,000 events in 200 cities, 400,000 direct participants, and 155 partner organizations Australia 7th year, 100+ events: brass bands, acoustic jams, orchestras, other grassroots performances Chicago, IL Boston, MA Kansas City, MO New York, NY Make Music Day is: • Participatory open to any musicians at any level, all ages and genres • Free • In public spaces and publicly accessible private spaces • On June 21 no tickets, no charge for participants or audience Philly, PA Fullerton, CA Make Music Day 2024: United States • 5,304 free music-making events (10% increase from 2023) • Citywide celebrations in 145 cities (28% increase) New Chapters in 2024 AL: Mobile AZ: Phoenix CA: Claremont, Oakland CT: Bethel FL: Tallahassee ID: Sandpoint MI: Albion MO: Lee’s Summit, Neosho, Springfield NC: Bertie County, Brunswick, Catawba County, Kinston, McDowell County, Stanly County, Statesville, Stokes County, Surry, Vance County, Wake County, Winston-Salem NJ: Newark, Paterson NY: Central New York TN: Germantown TX: College Station, Denison, Hutto, McKinney, Odessa, Salado, San Antonio, San Marcos, Sugar Land, Tyler WA: Aberdeen WI: Cable, Cambridge, Monona, Oshkosh, Shell Lake-Spooner Make Music Day 2024: United States Make Music Day 2025: Participating Texas Cities (to date) Alpine College Station Dallas Denison Frisco Henderson County Houston Hutto Laredo Marble Falls McKinney Mexia New Braunfels Odessa Port Aransas Salado San Antonio San Marcos South Padre Island Sugar Land Tyler Waco Waxahachie Wimberley Join the worldwide celebration of music! Performed by anyone. Free for everyone. With hundreds of cities, thousands of concerts, and millions of eyes and ears, Make Music Day invites anyone and everyone …
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 4/07/2025 H O T E L O C C U P A N C Y T A X C O L L E C T I O N S L I V E M U S I C F U N D Erica Shamaly Division Manager UPDATED 3.24.2025 FY 25 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund FY25 Amended Budget January 2025 w/ Encumbrances $809,445 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $1,682,703 FY25 Year-End Estimate $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 $809,445 $17,407 $159,710 $696,141 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 October April November May December June January July February August March September FY 25 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund FY25 Amended Budget February 2025 w/ Encumbrances $316,607 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $1,999,311 FY25 Year-End Estimate $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 $316,607 $809,445 $17,407 $159,710 $696,141 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 October April November May December June January July February August March September FY 24 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund FY24 Amended Budget $5,575,000 FY23 Amended Budget $4,100,000 FY24 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $4,445,096 FY23 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $4,472,973 $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 FY 23 FY 24 October April November May December June January July February August March September
Cultural Tourism Marketing & Outreach • Innovative marketing strategies to promote Austin as a tourist and convention destination – past and future to be scored Impactful social media engagement • Expands audiences and fan bases locally, as well as outside of Austin • • Provides accessibility features for audiences with disabilities • Programming and features for non-English speaking communities • Programming open and accessible to the public Feedback - Be specific about accessibility – website? Promotional material? Sign language interpreter? - Remove requirement for non-English programming language (ex. this disadvantages hip hop artists). This can be outreach to the diverse diaspora in Austin MSA. Include marketing in non-English speaking language publications and other media instead. Austin Music Economy Development • Pays at least the City of Austin musician pay rate to hired professional musicians • Pays a living wage to music industry professionals • Hires at least 40% local musicians • Hires creatives year-round for such operations as merchandise production, marketing & outreach, equipment, storage, etc. • Hires local creative spaces Feedback - Remove requirement for "living wage" + "city rate" — living wage is subjective | city rate - may not be met by several artists without having access to grant $$ If keeping requirement that 40% of band members be local, clarify definition of “local” to include entire MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area). Artist Development • Participates in career training and professional development • Participates in music programs for schools, cultural centers, youth, private lessons, camps, workshops, etc. • Performs / volunteers at benefit concerts to raise awareness for non-profit charity organizations • Limited access to financial lending • Languages other than English spoken in the household • Lives in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT) • No previous Live Music Fund award Feedback - Avoid adding DEI-adjacent economic asks that may unintentionally penalize even BIPOC artists. o QCT o Other than English language spoken in household - Remove “lending” related questions — these are hard to verify - Remove Prior Funding Bonus / Penalty: o Avoid penalizing artists for previous grants - cultural or music. The 2-year period addresses this for the higher 20k grants. o Make the accomplishment-questions robust Music Industry Accomplishments • Percentage of personal income dependent on music • Number of music industry recognition awards • Frequency of public shows for audiences of at least 300 • Number of music streams and downloads; recordings; national and …
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION March 3, 2025 6:30 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001, 301 W 2ND STREET, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Music 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 to speak remotely, call or email Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Anne-Charlotte Patterson – Vice Chair, Scott Strickland – Secretary, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Pedro Carvalho, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Celeste Quesada AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Anastasia Hera PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission Meeting on February 3, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. City of Austin Organizational Changes and Executive Management Team briefing by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music and Entertainment Division and Angela Means, Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 3. Live Music Fund collections briefing by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 4. Austin Live Music Fund briefing by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music and Entertainment Division. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Rally Austin's Annual Report on FY24 including an update on Cultural Trust activities to date as well as an early preview of programs to be considered in the 2026 Bond package by Anne Gatling Haynes, Chief Transactions Officer and Theresa Alvarez, Chief Executive Officer, Rally Austin; Emmett Beliveau, Chief Operating Officer, C3 Presents; and Meghan Wells, Special Liaison for Economic Development, Financial Services Department. 6. Discussion on Meadowfest 2025 Fundraiser for Mental Health Awareness after presentation by Greg Goodman - Founder of the Meadow E. Goodman Foundation for Mental Health Awareness. 7. Revisiting budget recommendation to form a “Stormy Weather Fund” to feasibly administer micro-grants to musicians who have lost wages due to city-wide extreme weather- related closure. 8. Update on Short Term Rental regulation and Austin Convention Center expansion from Land Use Working Group by Vice Chair Patterson. 9. Discuss revising special event permitting to include a lower-cost, streamlined tier for smaller community-organized events. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 10. Update from the Austin Live …
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 3/03/2025 H O T E L O C C U P A N C Y T A X C O L L E C T I O N S L I V E M U S I C F U N D Kim McCarson Program Manager UPDATED 3.03.2025 FY 24 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund FY25 Amended Budget December 2024 w/ Encumbrances $17,407 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $873,259 FY25 Year-End Estimate $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 $17,407 $159,710 $696,141 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 October April November May December June January July February August March September FY 24 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund FY24 Amended Budget $5,575,000 FY23 Amended Budget $4,100,000 FY24 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $4,445,096 FY23 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $4,472,973 $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 FY 23 FY 24 October April November May December June January July February August March September
Rally Austin Update March 2025 Commissions WHO WE ARE MISSION Facilitating equitable development for economic growth while preserving Austin's unique culture. VISION A culturally resilient and economically integrated Austin where diverse communities thrive without risk of displacement. LEADING INVESTMENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY, AS A COMMUNITY Rally will focus its efforts to unite and drive progress across three critical areas of development in Central Texas: ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE COMPLETE COMMUNITIES CATALYTIC DEVELOPMENT 2 WHO WE ARE OUR COMMUNITY AT WORK Board of Directors Collaboration of community leaders and nominating bodies who represent local organizations and asset holders. 7 City Of Austin Representatives: • Music Commission • Arts Commission • Historic Landmark • +City Directors 3 INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS RALLY AUSTIN MILESTONES Council begins to explore collaboration Austin Economic Development Corporation established Signed Interlocal agreement for initial projects 21-person board created, CEO and Staff search begin Strategic Plan provides Board Structure and Mission $2.4M for two creative space projects on City owned property AEDC recognized as 501c3 Non- Profit Organization $4.5M announced for Austin Playhouse $1.6M Iconic Venue Funding for The Hole in the Wall AEDC rebrands as Rally Austin Austin City Council Approves Developer Selection, Urban Renewal Agency recommendation for Blocks 16 & 18 $2.5M for Museum of Human Achievement Council approves a 30% increase in the Interlocal Agreement 2014 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Arts, Music & Culture Complete Communities Catalytic Development 4 DEVELOPMENT FOR PURPOSE Critical Areas of Development for Central Texas COMPLETE COMMUNITIES ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE CATALYTIC DEVELOPMENT 5 DEVELOPMENT FOR PURPOSE BLOCK 16 & 18 EAST 11th ST Development of complete communities that improve quality of life for Austinites and focus on equitable development in underserved areas. Blocks 16 & 18 in the African American Cultural Heritage District with the Urban Renewal Board Philanthropic partnerships with Wells Fargo, C3 Presents, and Six Square “ We are proud partners of the Rally Austin team and their transformative work ensuring communities throughout Austin can flourish. — CHRIS RIOS, WELLS FARGO REGIONAL VP OF PHILANTHROPY & COMMUNITY IMPACT ” 6 DEVELOPMENT FOR PURPOSE ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE AUSTIN CULTURAL TRUST IMPACT $11M in five projects valued at $24.2M $11M $24.2M $48.4M to $60.5M Rally Investment Project Value Projected Economic Impact INVESTMENTS $1.6M Hole in the Wall $2M Permitting and Development Center $400K Millenium Youth Entertainment Complex $4.5M Austin Playhouse $2.5M Museum of Human Achievement $400K Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex …
DRAFT MUSIC COMMISSION BUDGET RECOMMENDATION FY25-26 20250303-11 Seconded By: Date: March 3, 2025 Subject: Music Commission budget recommendations for FY25-26 Motioned By: Recommendation: Directive to City Council for the City to invest in Austin music economy initiatives to sustain, grow, and transform our music industry. Description of Recommendation to Council: The City of Austin has recently brought several related divisions under the umbrella of the newly-created department of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME). The Music Commission recommends the following budget considerations to support and strengthen ACME’s endeavors going forward: • Fund all ACME staff salaries from General Fund, not HOT, reserving HOT funding for grants and other programs that represent direct investment in the music and cultural arts economies • Establish a nighttime music office role (full-time / part-time) to support and engage with the local nightlife and live music industry. • Extend the reach of efforts to publicize grants and city performance opportunities by incorporating community radio and hyperlocal/neighborhood publications into the marketing mix • Invest in city-owned or subsidized rehearsal and performance spaces available to artists at low cost. • Provide city support for small and medium festivals that present a wide ranfe of Austin’s music genres, via funding fee waivers, and permitting assistance. • Expand free the City’s live music events programming to give artists more paid opportunities • Invest in promotional and wayfinding signage in the urban core to promote live music • Fund resources and programming which helps small venues and independent promoters navigate city policies. • Invest in public safety programs for live music spaces without putting financial strain on venues. Rationale The music industry is vital to the economic and cultural life of our city and deserves the same investment as other key growth industries in Austin. 1 of 2 • The Austin music industry is a major economic driver and a core component of our city’s brand. • Funding activities that provide more paid work to Austin musicians can help protect the city's economic growth. This includes supporting music venues, festivals, and events that hire local musicians, as well as initiatives that provide training and resources for musicians to build their careers and generate more income. • By investing in the music industry and supporting musicians in Austin, the city can maintain the vibrancy of its cultural identity and ensure the continued contribution of the music industry to the local economy. …
