REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION October 6, 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, Clarissa Cardenas, Clayton England, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Penny Jo Pullus, Celeste Quesada 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 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 August 4 and September 8, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on Live Music Fund collections by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 3. Staff briefing on FY23 Austin Live Music Fund final reports by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 4. Staff briefing on Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) live music performances/booking by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 5. ACME funding staff briefing by Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Downtown Commission update on priorities and recent actions by Parliamentarian Silva. 7. Discussion on Austin Live Music Fund final report led by Chair Medicharla. 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. 9. Approval of 2026 Music Commission meeting schedule. 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, …
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION September 8, 2025 6:30 PM Austin Central Library 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 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, Clarissa Cardenas, Clayton England, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Penny Jo Pullus, 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 August 4, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on Live Music Fund collections by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 3. Staff briefing on FY23 Austin Live Music Fund final reports by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 4. Staff briefing on Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) live music performances/booking by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. 2026 Bond Program following presentation by Eric Bailey, Deputy Director, Austin Capital Delivery Services. 6. Downtown Commission engagement following update by Anne-Charlotte Patterson Communications Director, District 10. 7. Short-Term Rentals (STR) HOT collections following update by Anne-Charlotte Patterson Communications Director, District 10. 8. ACME funding guidelines final draft update by Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 9. Discussion and possible action on recommendation of the updated ACME funding guidelines. 10. Approval of Emmett Beliveau’s nomination to the Rally Austin Board of Directors, Theresa Alvarez, CEO & President, Rally Austin. 11. Approval of recommendation for performance rights organizations and transparency in licensing revenue distribution practices following presentation by Secretary Strickland. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS …
Capital Delivery Services Capital Delivery Services Public Improvement Bond Program Public Improvement Bond Program Integrated Bond Program Development and Delivery Plan Integrated Bond Program Development and Delivery Plan Music Commission Update Music Commission Update Eric Bailey Eric Bailey Deputy Director Deputy Director Capital Delivery Services Capital Delivery Services September 8, 2025 September 8, 2025 “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 1 AGENDA Improved Bond Development Process • CDS Overview • What is a General Obligation Bond Program? • • Staff Work Completed to Date • Guiding Principles, Technical Criteria, & Scoring Matrices • Progress to Date & Upcoming Milestones “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 2 Created in 2023 with the goal of reducing project delivery time Who we are • Engineers • Architects • Project managers • Community Engagement Our partners • Consultants • Contracting teams • City asset owners • Community members • Mayor & Council Role in 2026 Bond Program One City – One Team – One Approach to effectively and efficiently deliver quality public projects. • Convene asset owner departments to develop needs assessment • Guide the process to ensure projects are vetted and scopes/schedules/budgets are accurate and realistic • Coordinate projects across departments to achieve mutual benefits What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Typical Bond Projects: • Flood and Erosion Control Improvements • New or Replacement City Facilities • Rehabilitation of Existing Facilities • Housing Infrastructure/Housing Projects • Street and Thoroughfare Improvements o Sidewalks o Traffic Signals • Park and Recreation Facilities • Public Safety Facilities (Fire/EMS/Police) • Land Purchase 4 What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Types of work NOT included: • Routine operations and maintenance activities o Potholes o Minor street repair o Landscaping maintenance o General building maintenance Improvements for short term leased space • • Code enforcement initiatives • Employee salaries (including police & fire) • AE/AW Capital Projects typically funded by using debt are funded via AE and AW revenue bonds, not General Obligation debt and thus are not for the 2026 GO Bond Program City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach to Capital Delivery 5 Improved Bond Delivery Process for 2026 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Council calls for Bond Election (Aug) Bond Election (Nov) BEATF Meetings, Council, and Public Engagement HOW WE’VE DONE BONDS …
09.08.2025 City of Austin SHORT-TERM RENTAL UPDATE Collections & Regulations Unlicensed STRs Around 80% of Austin’s STRs are unlicensed, which has led to issues with regulation and collection of the City portion of Hotel Occupancy Taxes. This year the City of Austin began to implement efforts to collect HOT and improve regulation. HOT Collection Previously, only the operators of licensed STRs were collecting and remitting HOT to the City. As of April 1, 2025, the city requires requiring platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo to automate collect and remit Hotel Occupancy Tax revenues on behalf of STR properties, and remit to the City. Regulation updates In February 2025, City staff introduced detailed new regulations, and processes for bringing unlicensed STRs into compliance. Council vote and implementation was delayed by legislative action. City Council will now vote on new regulations on September 11, 2025, to go into effect on Oct 1 • Each operator must designate a local contact who be present at the short-term rental within two hours if requested by a City employee. • Noise and other neighbor complaints may lead to fines and denial of license renewal Density caps are meant to limit STR proliferation in areas prone to gentrification • If an individual owns more than one STR, the STRs must be at least 1000 feet apart unless the STRs are located in a multi-family site • On a site with four or more dwelling units, an owner may operate the greater of one or 25% of the units Regulation changes since Feb. • The appeals process for operators has been shortened and removes review by the Building & Standards Commission • While an appeal is pending, operators may still host bookings accepted before license revocation • Intent-to-revoke process now includes pre- revocation conference and compliance plan Resident Concerns • Short term rentals replace housing, especially affordable units • The density caps are not extensive enough to prevent proliferation of corporate STRs • Regulation is not sufficiently stringent to protect neighbors from noise, nuisance, and crime.
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 9/08/2025 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 9.03.2025 FY 25 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund July 2025 w/ Encumbrances $21,687 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $3,254,590 % Change in Year–to-Date Total -18% $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 $21,687 $16,485 $352,514 $816,197 $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
FY23 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot - Compliance Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (AACME) Music Commission Meeting September 8, 2025 FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot • 367 Awardees for “Specific Future Projects” o 41 $5,000 Grant Awards o 326 $10,000 Grant Awards • Grant Agreements executed Oct–Dec 2023 • Agreement extensions provided to ensure 12-month terms and for compliant Awardees needing more time for awarded “Specific Future Projects” FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot • 4 Awardees forfeited before receiving any funds • 1 Awardee did interim report evidencing the 1st payment but paid back the 2nd payment (40% of award) and did not receive the 3rd payment of (10% of award) • As of today, 34 remaining non-compliant Awardees o 17 submitted an interim report evidencing the 1st payment, but incomplete or no final report o 17 submitted incomplete or no interim report FY 2024 Austin Live Music Fund • 136 grant awards accepted out of 136 total grant awards (100%) • 135 signed agreements out of 136 total grant agreements (99%) • 134 completed Grant Agreement Orientations out of 136 total awardees (99%) • 135 completed Financial Information Forms out of 136 forms sent to awardees (99%) • 134 first payments paid out of 136 total awardees (99%) • 95 second payments paid out of 136 total awardees (70%) • 41 final payments paid out of 136 total awardees (30%) Questions Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Thank You For Your Partnership!
Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment 2025 - 2026 Funding Guidelines Presented by Morgan Messick Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Music Commission Meeting | September 8, 2025 Major Enhancements, Based on Feedback Guidelines User Experience Single guideline document, with standardized definitions, formatting, and department processes/policies More funding levels are available for individual artists across all programs Universal Appeals process for ACME programs Established policies on double dipping/conflict of interest, in response to Audit concerns Stacked application launch, with a single intake form Measuring Program Impacts Category What the City Measures Metrics Reach & Engagement Community reach and public participation Attendance counts, demographic data Promotion Visibility and marketing efforts Event flyers, social media screenshots, VisitAustin.org listings, marketing plan analytics Impact Access Expression Resiliency Economic and cultural benefits for the creative workforce Number of jobs supported, amount of funding distributed Accessibility and inclusion for audiences and participants Diverse locations, ADA features, free/low-cost tickets/creative space, multilingual options Support for authentic artistic and cultural expression Artist reflections, new work created, creative risks taken Organizational growth, adaptability, or long- term community benefit beyond City funding New partnerships, diversified revenue, business training and professional development Austin Live Music Fund Applications open every year; grant agreement term varies from 12 to 24-months For-Profit Applicant Award Amount Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $20,000 with 24-month Grant Agreement term Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $5,000 with 12-month Grant Agreement term Live Music Venue with at least a $60,000 operating budget $70,000 with 12-month Grant Agreement term Scoring Criteria Austin Live Music Fund – Professional Musician & Independent Promoter Category Criteria – Evidence Documentation from the last three years is prioritized Available Points Music Industry Accomplishments Music industry recognition Public shows with capacities of 300 or more Audience reach, including recordings; music streams and downloads; sync licenses; tours outside of Austin; distributed physical media; and radio and media broadcasts Artist Development Austin Music Economy Development Cultural Tourism Marketing & Outreach 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 nonprofit charity organizations Limited or no access to financial lending (points awarded if no or limited access) Pays at least the City of Austin musician pay rate to hired professional musicians Hires creatives and creative businesses year-round for such operations as merchandise production, marketing & outreach, equipment, …
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION August 4, 2025 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 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 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 July 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. FY23 Austin Live Music Fund final reports briefing by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. 4. History of AUS Airport music programming and transition to future programming with ACME briefing by Ramonika Carr, AUS Airport Guest Services Manager and Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. ACME funding guidelines update by Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 6. 2026 Bond Program public engagement and awareness update. 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 the Economic Development Department, at 512-974-6318, call Shelbi Mitchell at 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.
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 8/04/2025 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 7.30.2025 FY 25 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund June 2025 w/ Encumbrances $16,485 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $3,233,024 % Change in Year–to-Date Total -.58% $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 $16,485 $352,635 $816,197 $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
FY23 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot - Compliance Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (AACME) Music Commission Meeting August 4, 2025 FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot • 367 Awardees for “Specific Future Projects” o 41 $5,000 Grant Awards o 326 $10,000 Grant Awards • Grant Agreements executed Oct–Dec 2023 • Agreement extensions provided to ensure 12-month terms and for compliant Awardees needing more time for awarded “Specific Future Projects” FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot Pilot Program Challenges • • Flawed Economic Development Department (EDD) Portal Large number of grant agreements Application / Reporting System • Switching from EDD Portal to Google reporting forms for static reporting templates • Awarding “Specific Future Projects” when music industry activities are fluid and often subject to change • Awardee inexperience with grant processes and expectations • Awardee personal challenges FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot • 4 Awardees forfeited before receiving any funds • 1 Awardee did interim report evidencing the 1st payment but paid back the 2nd payment (40% of award) and did not receive the 3rd payment of (10% of award) • As of today, 41 remaining non-compliant Awardees o 20 submitted an interim report evidencing the 1st payment, but incomplete or no final report o 21 submitted incomplete or no interim report ACME Awardee Non-Compliance Steps • STEP 1 - 1st Notice sent via e-mail to Awardee who is at least 15 business days delinquent in submitting report. Awardee has 10 business days to submit report or contact ACME. E-mail sent by ACME Grant Agreement Manager. • STEP 2 - 2nd Notice sent by certified mail to Awardee who is at least 30 business days delinquent or has submitted an incomplete report after the first delinquent notice. Awardee has 5 business days to submit a complete report. Letter signed by ACME Grant Agreement Manager. *Applicant will not be granted program extension request after second notice. • STEP 3 - Termination Notice sent by certified mail to Awardee who has not responded to and/or provided corrections or additional information. Letter signed by ACME Music & Entertainment Division Manager. Copy of Termination Notice sent to ACME Department Director. FY 2024 Austin Live Music Fund • 136 grant awards accepted out of 136 total grant awards (100%) • 135 signed agreements out of 136 total grant agreements (99%) • 134 completed Grant Agreement Orientations out …
Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment ACME Funding Programs - Update Presented by Morgan Messick Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Music Commission Meeting | August 4, 2025 Recap on where we have been The Creative Reset: Phase 1 Starting with the 2023-2024 Guidelines for all ACME programs Community Engagement/feedback Enhanced guideline drafts, starting with redlined guidelines/feedback from Arts/Music Commission Working Groups Iterative feedback process/edits Updates to engagement and drafts available at PublicInput throughout the process Public feedback ended on Sunday, July 20 Staff have collaborated to get a final draft Draft is now with internal City staff for review, working towards a final See additional information at publicinput.com/thecreativereset Measuring Program Impacts Category What the City Measures Metrics Reach & Engagement Community reach and public participation Attendance counts, demographic data Promotion Visibility and marketing efforts Event flyers, social media screenshots, VisitAustin.org listings, Tourism Marketing training attendance satisfaction, marketing plan analytics Impact Access Expression Resiliency Economic and cultural benefits for the creative workforce Number of jobs supported, amount of funding distributed Accessibility and inclusion for audiences and participants Diverse locations, ADA features, free/low-cost tickets/creative space, multilingual options Support for authentic artistic and cultural expression Artist reflections, new work created, creative risks taken Organizational growth, adaptability, or long- term community benefit beyond City funding New partnerships, diversified revenue, business training and professional development Austin Live Music Fund For-Profit Applicant Award Amount Professional Musician & Independent Promoter Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $20,000 w/24-month Grant Agreement term $5,000 w/12-month Grant Agreement term Live Music Venue with atleast an operating budget of $60,000 $70,000 w/12-month Grant Agreement term Grant Awards are for one and two-year terms and are based on the amount the awardee selects in their application that most appropriately matches their needs. Scoring Criteria Austin Live Music Fund – Professional Musicians & Independent Promoters Category Criteria – Evidence Documentation from the last three years is prioritized Available Points Music Industry Accomplishments Music industry recognition Public shows at live music venues with capacities of 300 or more Audience data, i.e. music streams and downloads; distributed recordings; local, national and international music festival placements; regional and national tours; radio & TV broadcasts Artist Development Austin Music Economy Development Cultural Tourism Marketing & Outreach 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 …
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 …
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 7/07/2025 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 Kim McCarson Program Manager UPDATED 7.02.2025 FY 25 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund May 2025 w/ Encumbrances $352,635 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $3,216,539 $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 $352,635 $816,197 $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
FY23 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot - Compliance Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Music Commission Meeting July 7, 2025 FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot • 367 Awardees for “Specific Future Projects” o 41 $5,000 Grant Awards o 326 $10,000 Grant Awards • Grant Agreements executed Oct–Dec 2023 • Agreement extensions provided to ensure 12-month terms and for compliant Awardees needing more time for awarded “Specific Future Projects” FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot Pilot Program Challenges • • Flawed Economic Development Department (EDD) Portal Large number of grant agreements Application / Reporting System • Switching from EDD Portal to Google reporting forms for static reporting templates • Awarding “Specific Future Projects” when music industry activities are fluid and often subject to change • Awardee inexperience with grant processes and expectations • Awardee personal challenges FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot • 4 Awardees forfeited before receiving any funds • 1 Awardee did interim report evidencing the 1st payment but paid back the 2nd payment (40% of award) and did not receive the 3rd payment of (10% of award) • 56 remaining non-compliant Awardees – Still Attempting Communication o 33 submitted an interim report evidencing the 1st payment, but no final report o 23 submitted no interim report ACME Awardee Non-Compliance Steps • STEP 1 - 1st Notice sent via e-mail to Awardee who is at least 15 business days delinquent in submitting report. Awardee has 10 business days to submit report or contact ACME. E-mail sent by ACME Grant Agreement Manager. • STEP 2 - 2nd Notice sent by certified mail to Awardee who is at least 30 business days delinquent or has submitted an incomplete report after the first delinquent notice. Awardee has 5 business days to submit a complete report. Letter signed by ACME Grant Agreement Manager. *Applicant will not be granted program extension request after second notice. • STEP 3 - Termination Notice sent by certified mail to Awardee who has not responded to and/or provided corrections or additional information. Letter signed by ACME Music & Entertainment Division Manager. Copy of Termination Notice sent to ACME Department Director. FY 2024 Austin Live Music Fund • 136 grant awards accepted out of 136 total grant awards (100%) • 135 signed agreements out of 136 total grant agreements (99%) • 134 completed Grant Agreement Orientations out of 136 …
Scaling Equity & Innovation in Austin Music A Model for Sustainable Creative Infrastructure Presented to: Austin Music Commission Created by: Louie Carr, Steve Carlos Kirk, Nathalie Phan Presented by: Louie Carr Date: July 7th, 2025 This presentation is a collaborative effort built from lived artist experiences, technical innovation, and forward-thinking policy strategy. Our goal is to help the Commission envision a long- term investment in infrastructure that makes Austin’s music economy more equitable, visible, and sustainable. Opening Vision "Austin doesn’t just have a music scene — it has a music economy. But that economy needs infrastructure. Not just stages, but systems. This is the blueprint." We built a framework that pays artists, showcases local talent, and doesn’t rely on the presence of a physical audience. In a city where affordability and visibility are growing challenges for musicians, this system creates a reliable and equitable pathway for music to remain a core part of Austin’s identity. What We Built (ABIA Recap) JetStream Fest: A collaborative livestream initiative with 23 participating airports across North America — streamed to over 46,000 viewers. Austin’s participation helped center local artists in a national cultural moment. Exterity VDMS System: Over 250 screen endpoints installed throughout ABIA allow seamless digital programming — from gate lounges to baggage claims — all controlled from a single hub. Remote-Controlled Stage: The Asleep at the Wheel performance demonstrated that we can operate a fully professional livestream performance — including lighting, sound, and camera ops — without a single person physically on site. Integrated Signage and Social Streaming: The system isn’t siloed — it connects to social media channels and physical signage across the airport, creating a scalable, multi-platform experience. Impact: ABIA has become one of Austin’s most functional and artist-supportive venues — without being a traditional music venue. It proves that with the right tools, any space can become a cultural amplifier. Artist Voices I love the opportunity to play shows at the airport. Having a regular paying gig, in a space where you meet people from all over the world. Travelers always tell me at my gigs how much their experience has been enhanced from having live music throughout the airport. It makes people happy, it gets them through waiting for their flights. It's a welcoming hello and reminder of time spent here in this vibrant city. A pilot even tipped me at my last gig at the airport...people care …
THE NEXT CHAPTER THE NEXT CHAPTER City of Austin Music Commission Presentation 7.7.2025 Hanna Cofer, Executive Director The HOME Mission HOME creates housing security for aging Austin area musicians. Criteria: Must be at least 55 years old Must have 20+ years history as a working musician in Central Texas Must reside within 70 miles of Austin Must show economic hardship The Need Aging musicians who defined Austin as the Music Capital of the World are operating without a safety net. The Solution: Provide housing assistance to alleviate a significant fiscal burden and allow these legends to age with dignity in their own homes and to stay in Austin, the city of their choice. The Austin housing crisis is growing, creating an increased burden on the creative sector which is causing many to leave the City. Many musicians are reliant on monthly income to pay housing bills, creating delinquency or other crisis when faced with unexpected circumstances such as illness or injury The Solution: Create temporary assistance for housing expenses while connecting musicians with additional services through a partner referral system. The Solution: Make emergency funding available with little effort and a quick turnaround time to give musicians a stopgap in difficult times. Annual Grant Program Emergency Grants Grants of $200 - 1,300 per month ongoing Annual cycle with reapplications required for following fiscal year consideration Payable directly to landlord, utility company, mortage company, etc. Strictly for housing expenses (rent, utilities, house insurance, mortgage, etc) One-time $500 grants for emergency situations Payable directly to artist Short grant application, 1-2 week turnaround time (applications approved administratively) Artists can apply once per calendar year An Increasing Need Age Breakdown of HAAM Clients 2024 Clients Age 50+ 652 2034 Clients Age 50+ 1,290+ Musicians Received HOME Grant Support (as of 7.2025) 304 Expansion Impact Grow Capacity for Emergency Grants to 100 Annually Annual Grants Doubled by Year 3 150+ Artists Served Annually within 2 years 100 80 60 40 20 0 Annual Grants Emergency Grants Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 The Team Board of Directors Nancy Coplin (President) Eve Monsees (Vice-President) Jaye Stepp (Treasurer) Denise Boudreaux (Secretary) Marcia Ball Deb Fleming Marsha Milam Shelley King Carolyn Wonderland Judy Cantilo Kimmie Rhodes Advisory Council Susan Antone, Ruthie Foster, Becky Tomblin, Darcie Fromholz, Leah Davies, Sarah Brown, Reenie Collins, Akina Adderly, Lindsey Bailey, Catarina Mazuca 2025 BUDGET Use of Funds Overhead 6.2% Program Staff 19% …
ACME Funding Program Updates What’s New? The ACME team undertook a rigorous community engagement effort during the Spring-Summer 2025 with an aim to improve funding programs that impact the creative community in Austin, TX. Our community input via “The Creative Reset” showed us great opportunities to enhance, align, and maximize our program goals. Check out the highlights of what’s new. Unified Funding Goals & Improved User Experience • Familiar grant programs, with enhanced eligibility, transparency, and processes to build community trust • A new guideline format creates one set of funding program guidelines vs. individual guidelines with ACME priorities elevated, creating alignment across all funding programs • Application improvements include streamlined intake processes and eligibility screenings before applications open • Funding priorities are clearly defined to focus on creative space, arts nonprofit, and artist resiliency • Enhanced transparency and accessibility will be a focus as we move through our application process Eligibility, Scoring, Evaluation & Grant Awards • Eligibility groups like applicants together to create more alignment in the competitive categories (e.g. nonprofits with space compete as a category, nonprofits without space compete as a separate category, etc.) • Universal Appeals process adopted across ACME programs • Bonus points are now awarded to organizations who experienced federal funding recensions in the current fiscal year from NEA, IMLS, NEH in applicable programs • Operating budgets of eligible nonprofits inform grant award amounts, optimizing investments • Strengthened policies to prevent conflicts-of-interest and double dipping of grant funds, ensuring equitable distribution of funds to more individuals and organizations • Fiscal Sponsorship requirements have been strengthened while remaining optional • Award amounts have changed across programs, reflecting community and commission feedback • Panel Process Improvements include the use of “Olympic style scoring” and a narrative of video “applicant framing statement” opportunity to share more about the organization, project, and goals (non-scored) The next ACME Funding Program application will open in Fall of 2025. ACME Funding Programs: Eligibility At a Glance FUND SOURCE Cultural Arts Fund (HOT) Live Music Fund (HOT) General & Incentive Funds APPLICANT CATEGORY Thrive Elevate Nexus ALMF CSAP Historic Preservation Fund (HOT) Capital Projects (Requires historic designation and highlights the site’s local history) Heritage Events (History-informed preservation project that highlights the site’s local history) 501 (c)(3) Arts Nonprofit (Federal designation) Arts Nonprofit (State designation) 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit (Federal designation) Arts Group Individual Artist Musician / Promoter Live Music Venue Creative Space …
Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Austin's Creative Heartbeat Angela Means, ACME Director July 2025 The Profound Impact of Arts & Culture According to the Texas Cultural Trust 2025 State of the Arts Report 2 Birth of ACME: Answering Austin's Call Born from Community Passion ACME was established after decades of community advocacy for prioritizing arts and music in Austin's identity and governance. Perfect Timing Created during a critical funding shortage for the arts, when traditional sources like bank loans, donations, and federal grants were diminishing. Preserving Austin's Soul Art, music, and culture represent the heart of Austin—the unique vibe that retains locals and attracts visitors. 3 ACME's First Year: Building Trust Through Action 1 Community-Centered Approach Established transparency, active listening, and consistent availability to all stakeholders as core operational principles. 2 Effective Advocacy Successfully mediated resolutions during the controversial Airport expansion and Convention Center demolition projects, protecting local artists and artwork. 3 Research & Benchmarking Analyzed historical community data and conducted national/state benchmarking to identify best practices and industry standards. 4 The Creative Reset: Strategic Vision One-Year Strategic Planning Process Launched The Creative Reset (TCR) to establish ACME's mission, vision, goals, and measurable outcomes. Comprehensive Program Evaluation Reimagining our funding programs, cultural facilities, and special events through a data-driven approach. PHASE 1: Enhanced Funding Programs Austin Live Music Fund, Heritage Preservation , Nexus, Elevate, Thrive, Creative Space Assistance Program and Art in Public Places (AIPP) 5 Our Foundation: Listen First, Act Second ACME revolutionized our approach to community outreach, resulting in unprecedented participation in only 3 weeks! 1,200+ Survey Responses We gathered a broad spectrum of community perspectives. 70 200 Citywide Attendees Our citywide sessions saw active participation from over 200 individuals, fostering widespread dialogue. 50+ Staff Participants Dedicated staff members actively engaged in the process, ensuring internal alignment and expertise. 100 Targeted Focus Groups Through focused discussions, individuals contributed valuable insights in our targeted focus groups. Personalized One-on-One Sessions We conducted personalized one-on- one sessions, offering tailored opportunities for individual input. 6 What We Heard: Community Voices Shaping Our Path Affordability & Cost Barriers Addressing rising costs and financial barriers to participation. Process & Transparency Streamlining the grant application process and enhancing organizational accountability. Funding & Sustainability Ensuring adequate funding levels, fair distribution, and long-term financial health. 7 Venue Access, Transportation, Parking & Geographic Equity Expanding access to spaces with geographic equity. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion …
Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Program Guidelines - what’s new? Presented by Morgan Messick Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Music Commission Meeting | July 7, 2025 What’s new for ACME Funding Programs? Unified Funding Goals & Improved User Experience • Familiar grant programs, with enhanced eligibility, transparency, and processes to build community trust • A new guideline format creates one set of funding program guidelines vs. individual guidelines with ACME priorities elevated, creating alignment across all funding programs • Application improvements include streamlined intake processes and eligibility screenings before applications open • Funding priorities are clearly defined to focus on creative space, arts nonprofit, and artist resiliency • Enhanced transparency and accessibility will be a focus as we move through our application process See the full “What’s New?” document at publicinput.com/thecreativereset Eligibility, Scoring, Evaluation & Grant Awards • Eligibility groups like applicants together to create more alignment in the competitive categories (e.g. nonprofits with space compete as a category, nonprofits without space compete as a separate category, etc.) • Universal Appeals process adopted across ACME programs • Strengthened policies to prevent conflicts-of-interest and double dipping of grant funds, ensuring equitable distribution of funds to more individuals and organizations • Award amounts have changed across programs, reflecting community and commission feedback See the full “What’s New?” document at publicinput.com/thecreativereset Measuring Program Impacts Austin Live Music Fund Applicant Award Amount Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $20,000 Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $5,000 Live Music Venue with operating budget over $100,000 $70,000 Grant Awards are for one and two-year terms and are based on the amount the awardee selects in their application that most appropriately matches their needs. Scoring Criteria Creative Space Assistance Program Applicant Award Amount All Applicants must have at least a $120,000 operating budget: • Live Music Venue • Performance Venue / Theatre • Museum / Art Gallery • Multi-Use $60,000 Grant Awards are for a one-year term and are based on the amount the awardee selects in their application that most appropriately matches their needs. Scoring Criteria Our Plan to Support the Ecosystem Realigning our Funding Programs • Access for All - Bridge legacy organizations and emerging creatives • Enhance Transparency - Demonstrate accountability measures and transparency tools that close the gap between community concerns and the funding process • Be of Service - Offer more support and resources Final Thoughts • We’ve listened …
DRAFT Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) _________________________ ACME Funding Program Guidelines 1 Updated 7/1/2025 DRAFT Table of Contents Overview ................................................................................................................................................ 3 ACME Funding Program Goals ................................................................................................................. 3 Funding Program Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 4 State of Texas Funding Requirements ...................................................................................................... 4 Expenses ................................................................................................................................................ 5 Awardee Requirements and Commitments .............................................................................................. 5 Grant Application .................................................................................................................................... 6 Evaluation & Review ................................................................................................................................ 6 Grant Agreements & Payments ................................................................................................................ 7 Accessibility Statement .......................................................................................................................... 8 Questions About Grant Guidelines? ......................................................................................................... 8 ACME FUNDING PROGRAM DETAILS ....................................................................................................... 9 Arts & Culture Grants........................................................................................................................... 9 Music & Venue Grants ........................................................................................................................ 14 Heritage Events & Landmark Capital Improvement Projects ................................................................. 19 APPENDICES ......................................................................................................................................... 25 Appendix A: Definitions ...................................................................................................................... 25 Appendix B: Panelists ......................................................................................................................... 29 Appendix C: Appeals Process ............................................................................................................. 32 Appendix D: Insurance Requirements ................................................................................................. 33 Appendix E: Reporting Requirements .................................................................................................. 34 Appendix F: Conflict-of-Interest Policy ................................................................................................ 37 2 Updated 7/1/2025 DRAFT ACME OVERVIEW ______________________________________ Overview In February 2025, the City of Austin created the O(cid:431)ice of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME), to better support the City’s ongoing work with Austin’s creative community, making the city a stronger place for arts, culture, and music. ACME will: • O(cid:431)er clear and direct support for artists and cultural groups, • Help grow the local economy, attract visitors, and build stronger communities, • Support partnerships between artists, cultural groups, and businesses, • Create open and accessible spaces that connect residents and tourists through arts and culture, strengthening community identity and promoting collective storytelling, and • Help build Austin’s identity as a global city for creativity ACME is committed to Building a Collaborative, Vibrant City. ACME Funding Program Goals Austin is home to many creatives that draw tourists and locals alike to the community. A central initiative of ACME is to invest in the creative economy and expand access and participation in arts, music, and heritage by providing grant funding for activities that enrich the public, broaden tourism, and contribute to a vibrant community. ACME supports our community by prioritizing the preservation of creative space, the elevation of arts and arts nonprofits, and through events, projects, and music that contribute to the cultural fabric of Austin. Our programs support all Austinites with a focus on historically underrepresented communities in funding. Our goals and measures of success align with city wide plans, such as Imagine Austin and the City-Wide Strategic Plan. 3 Updated 7/1/2025 DRAFT Funding Program Impacts Performance Measures to Support Program …
