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. …
Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Music Commission Meeting March 3, 2025 Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Established February 24, 2025, ACME focuses on sustaining and growing Austin’s creative sector and consists of cultural programming previously housed at five City departments: • Impacted Department/Divisions o Aviation – Music and Events o Austin Public Library – Heritage Centers o Economic Development – Cultural Arts, Music & Entertainment, AIPP o Parks and Recreation – Cultural Centers, Office of Special Events, Heritage Tourism o Development Services – Austin Center for Events, Entertainment o Streamline staff coordination o Provide a more cohesive and accessible experience for residents and o Amplify the reach and effectiveness of joint initiatives Services • Goals visitors C I T Y O F A U S T I N Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Angela Means, ACME Director Angela is a seasoned public administration executive with over 25 years of experience in local government leadership, specializing in operational oversight, financial management, and customer-focused service delivery. Angela has served in key leadership roles across multiple City of Austin departments, including Development Services, Austin Code, Housing, and Parks and Recreation, where she gained more than a decade of experience enhancing public spaces, cultural programming, and community initiatives. She most recently served as Interim Director of Parks and Recreation. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Thank you! C I T Y O F A U S T I N Questions?
Austin Live Music Fund - Update Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Music Commission Meeting – March 3, 2025 2024 Austin Live Music Fund – Latest Stats • 136 grant awards accepted so far out of 136 total grant awards (100%) agreements (95%) • 134 signed agreements so far out of 136 total grant • 134 completed Grant Agreement Orientations so far out of 136 total awardees (99%) • 131 completed Financial Information Forms out of 136 forms sent so far to awardees (95%) • 130 first payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (85%) • 45 second payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees • 4 fully paid and completed award of 136 awards (17%) C I T Y O F A U S T I N 2025 Austin Live Music Fund – Award Amounts 2025 Grant Award Budget - $4,800,000 • $300,000 award budget for $5,000 grants for 60 emerging artists (1-year agreements) • $3,500,000 award budget for $20,000 grants for 175 Professional Musicians and Independent Promoters (2-year agreements) • $1,000,000 award budget for $60,000 grants for 17 Live Music Venues (1-year agreements) C I T Y O F A U S T I N 2025 Austin Live Music Fund – Goals & Scoring Professional Musicians & Independent Promoters Working Group Priority Order – RECOMMENDATION 20250203-010 • Priority 1 (50% of score) – Past Music Industry Accomplishments • Priority 2 (25% of score) – Local Economic Impact • Priority 3 (20% of score) – Music Marketing • Priority 4 (5% of score) – Accessibility Program Staff Priority Order • Priority 1 – Cultural Tourism Marketing & Outreach • Priority 2 – Austin Music Economy Development • Priority 3 – Artist Development • Priority 4 – Music Industry Accomplishments C I T Y O F A U S T I N 2025 Austin Live Music Fund – Goals & Scoring Live Music Venues Working Group Priority Order • Priority (25% of score) – Local Economic Impact • Priority (25% of score) – Programming & Outreach • Priority (25% of score) – Tourism • Priority (25% of score) – Previous City Funding Program Staff Priority Order • Priority 1 – Cultural Tourism Marketing & Outreach • Priority 2 – Austin Music Economy Development • Priority 3 – Live Music Venue Development C I T Y O F A U S T I N 2025 Austin …
MUSIC COMMISSION BUDGET RECOMMENDATION FY25-26 20250303-11 Nagavalli Medicharla Date: March 3, 2025 Subject: Music Commission budget recommendations for FY25-26 Motioned By: Recommendation: The Music Commission recommends to City Council investments 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: Tami Blevins Seconded By: • 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 range of Austin’s music genres, via reduced fees and permitting assistance. • Expand 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 help small venues and independent promoters navigate city policies. • Invest in public safety programs for live music spaces without putting financial strain on venues. • Provide free public transportations to free and open-to-the-public music events such as Free Week in the Red River Cultural District. 1 of 2 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. • 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 …
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION February 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, Oren Rosenthal – Parliamentarian, Scott Strickland – Secretary, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Pedro Carvalho, Lauryn Gould, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Celeste Quesada AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Rachel Spencer PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission Meeting on January 6, 2025. Upcoming State Legislative Session briefing by Rick Ramirez, Intergovernmental Relations Officer. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9. Live Music Fund collections briefing by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Economic Development Department. Austin Live Music Fund briefing by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music and Entertainment Division. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. 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, lead by Commissioner Gould. Update on Austin Convention Center Expansion by Vice Chair Patterson. Presentation on 2024 Austin Live Music Fund Survey conducted by Austin Texas Musicians (ATXM) by Pat Buchta, Chief Executive Officer, ATXM. Equitable Austin Live Music Fund guidelines following presentation by Secretary Strickland. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from the Austin Live Music Fund Working Group on Live Music Fund criteria by Chair Nagavalli Medicharla. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 10. Discussion and possible action to approve of recommendation for the evolution of the Austin Live Music Fund criteria in 2025 and beyond following presentation by Chair 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 …
89TH STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION Rick Ramirez, Deputy Intergovernmental Relations Officer Intergovernmental Relations Office Agenda • Legislative Team & Legislative Agenda • 89th Session Overview • Key City Issues & Bills • Key Bills of Interest to the Commission 2 City of Austin Legislative Team Carrie Rogers Intergovernmental Relations Officer Carrie.Rogers@austintexas.gov 512.923.7577 cell Carrie.Rogers@austintexas.gov Rick Ramirez Deputy Officer – Legislative Rick.Ramirez2@austintexas.gov 737.218.3668 cell Local / Regional Administrator Deputy Officer Grants / Legislative Funding Alison Ross Legislative Relations Senior Coordinator Alison.Ross@austintexas.gov 512.680.3631 cell Legislative Relations Senior Coordinator Valerie Gomez Coordinator Valerie.Gomez@austintexas.gov 512.689.8256 cell Valerie.Gomez@austintexas.gov Annabel Osburn Grants Strategic Program Analyst Grant Writer Grant Writer 3 Legislative Agendas: At a Glance Legislative program focuses on primary City priorities: • Preserve Local Authority: Protect Austin’s control over zoning, ordinances, and local regulations, and ensure cities have appropriate tools to meet housing affordability challenges. • Financial Responsibility: Oppose unfunded state mandates or legislation that would place undue financial burdens on the City. • Community Health & Safety: Support access to healthcare, public safety funding, improved quality of life and protections for vulnerable populations. • Environmental & Infrastructure Resilience: Protect Austin’s natural resources, encourage sustainability, and invest in critical infrastructure. 4 Overarching Issues Influencing the 89th session Politically Charged, Overarching Issues Influencing the 89th session • Election results: New Administration • New House Speaker • New House Rules & Committees • School Finance / School Vouchers • Power Grid 5 State Leadership in the 89th Session The “Big Three” House & Senate Chambers Republicans will control House and Senate in the 89th Session Governor Greg Abbott Elected by voters for a four-year term. Not up for reelection this cycle. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick Elected by voters for a four-year term. Not up for reelection this cycle. House Speaker Dustin Burrows Elected by Texas House every two- years on 1st day of the regular session Speaker Burrows elected House Speaker for the 89th Session 20 Republicans, 11 Democrats 89th Session • Senate *3 Freshmen • House 88 Republicans, 62 Democrats *31 Freshmen 6 Changes in the House New Speaker • Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) New House Rules • No Minority Party Committee Chairs • No Majority Party Committee Vice Chairs • New Authority for Vice Chairs • 2 New Standing Committees • 6 Standing Committees Abolished • 11 New Standing Subcommittees New Members • 31 Freshman House Members – the most since 83rd Session in 2013 7 89th …
PROPOSED LIVE MUSIC FUND GUIDELINES SECRETARY SCOTT STRICKLAND D8 PROPOSED MUSICIAN GUIDELINES FOR LMF DRAFT RECOMMENDATION 5,000, 10,000, and 15,000 Grants based on the project proposal of the Artist along with cultural and economic impact bringing the efficacy rate of awardees to at least 23 percent in congruence with Cultural Arts Grants Thrive, Elevate, and Nexus. All projects, regardless of the proposal, must have a public-facing component (live show) that promotes tourism, and the majority of awarded funds must be used to support, advertise, and implement a pubic-facing component within the grant cycle’s time frame. This complies with the Municipal Hotel Tax Satiate (MHOT) Texas Tax Code 351.101 • No questions concerning age, sex, gender, race, sexual orientation, qualified census tract, economic status, or genre should be at all considered in regard to grant awards. Live Music Fund Applicant Pool based on race https:// www.austintexas.gov/atxmusic/live-music-fund These demographics are indicative are are in alignment with Austin’s Music ecosystem, including ETJs. • Asian American 3% • Multiracial 6% • Black/African American 16% • Hispanic or Latino 21% • White 39% • Artists must provide 2 forms of proof verifying their proof of address to become eligible. • Other guidelines such as releases, ticket count for shows, and economic impact to Austin and extraterritorial districts should be highly considered for grant awardees. 5,000.00 115 Grants for Artists with smaller projects (smaller economic impact) 10,000.00 115 Grants for Artists with larger-sized projects (more ambitious economic impact) 15,000.00 116 Grants for Artists with Large sized projects (showcases, touring, studio record completion)* * Artists are eligible to apply every two years. PROPOSED INDEPENDENT PROMOTER GUIDELINES FOR LMF An independent promoter is an individual or organization that: 1. Organizes, markets, and promotes live events such as concerts, music festivals, or performances. 2. Operates independently of any venue, record label, or major entertainment company. 3. Is typically self-employed or runs a small business, working on a contractual basis with artists, venues, or event organizers. Independent promoters must have a verifiable business specifically associated with promoting artists, and events, being contracted with venues, and/or festivals. Independent promoters and their legally established businesses must have been active for 1 year or have put on at least 10 events as independent promoters and must make or have made 51 percent of their income as independent promoters, and must provide proof beyond social media in the way of contracts, ticket sales, other …
[MUSIC COMMISSION] RECOMMENDATION 20250203-010 Agenda Item 10 Date: February 3, 2025 Subject: Recommendation for the Evolution of the Austin Live Music Fund (2025 and beyond) for Musicians, Independent Promoters and Music Venues Nagavalli Medicharla Seconded By: Pedro Carvalho Motioned By: Recommendation The 2025 Music Commission recommendations on the Austin Live Music fund build on the pilot rollouts of the Live Music Fund in 2023 and 2024, taking into consideration critical community / stakeholder feedback, to ensure the effective and equitable use of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds to support musicians, independent promoters and music venues in the commercial music sector in 2025 and beyond. Recommendation for the Evolution of the Austin Live Music Fund (2025 and beyond) for Musicians and Independent Promoters Building on the pilot rollouts of the Austin Live Music Fund in 2023 and 2024, the Music Commission proposes the following recommendations to ensure the effective and equitable use of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds to support musicians and independent promoters in the commercial music sector: FOR MUSICIANS 1. Grant Categories a. Divide the grant into two distinct applicant categories, each with tailored grant amounts ($5000, $20,000), to better serve emerging and established artists b. $5000 grants to span over 1 year and $20,000 grants to span over a 2-year period. 2. Application Scoring Criteria a. Eligibility: i. At least 2 years of documentation showing the applicant has regularly performed as a professional musician—solo or as part of a band—in live performances to public audiences, ii. Or 6 released recordings (singles), iii. Or 6 promotionally released music videos b. Applications should be scored with majority emphasis on musician career c. d. accomplishments (50%) and local economic impact (25%) Include past and future marketing plans as scoring criteria (20%) Incorporate a scoring element for accessibility features such as accessible websites and promotional material, availability of sign language interpreters at events etc. (5%) 3. Allowable Uses of Funds a. Grant recipients can allocate funds toward a wide range of activities, including live performances, studio and video production, and other eligible expenses outlined under the HOT code. 1 of 4 FOR INDEPENDENT PROMOTERS 1. Grant Categories 2. Application Scoring Criteria o Eligibility: o Divide the grant into two distinct applicant categories, each with tailored grant amounts ($5000, $20,000), to better serve emerging and established promoters respectively. o $5000 grants to span over 1 year and $20,000 grants to span over a …
Austin Live Music Fund - Update Music & Entertainment Division Economic Development Department Music Commission Meeting – February 3, 2025 2024 Austin Live Music Fund – Latest Stats • 136 grant awards accepted so far out of 136 total grant awards (100%) agreements (95%) • 131 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 (95%) • 124 first payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (85%) • 40 second payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees • 1 fully paid and completed award of 136 awards (17%) C I T Y O F A U S T I N Austin Live Music Fund – Community Feedback So Far 2025 Grant Award Budget - $4,800,000 • $300,000 award budget for $5,000 grants for 60 emerging artists (1-year agreements) • $3,500,000 award budget for $20,000 grants for 175 Professional Musicians and Independent Promoters (2-year agreements) • $1,000,000 award budget for $60,000 grants for 17 Live Music Venues (1-year agreements) Scored Points • Removal of Access to Services question related to banking • New scoring section for Professional Musicians and Independent Promoters that prioritizes applicants who have contributed to Austin’s music ecosystem • New Scoring section for Live Music Venues that prioritizes applicants who showcase live music as its core function Application Set-Up • Every application question will have multiple-choice answers • The process for applicants to share evidence for their selected multiple-choice answers will be streamlined and simplified to ensure each selected answer is backed up by evidence for scored points. The applicant will be unable to move forward in the application if a selected answer is not backed up with evidence • Narrative sections will only appear when an applicant has provided evidence for a multiple- choice answer to explain the evidence for reviewer consideration. As in 2024, the narrative sections are NOT SCORED and should be short and to the point. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Austin Live Music Fund – New Community Feedback Staff looks forward to receiving Live Music Fund Working Group feedback for additional improvement considerations. We invite you to share your additional thoughts: Music Industry • Austin Live Music Fund grants to musicians, promoters, and …
