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 …
