20210820-1a: allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to music. — original pdf

Recommendation

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Music Commission Recommendation Number: 20210820-1a : Details and recommendations to Council on allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to music. WHEREAS, The Music Commission voted on recommendation 20210802-2b to support Council Member Fuentes’ May resolution providing $10 million over two years in funding for the music economy. WHEREAS, The following details were provided and discussed at the August 20, 2021, Special Called Meeting of the Music Commission regarding allocation of ARPA funding for music: $1,540,700 to Live Music Venue Preservation Fund $1,540,700 to fund the remaining scored Phase 2 Applicants for the SAVES Live Music Venue Preservation Fund $2.3M to Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund 3.0 $2.3M Program Budget remains after estimated 3rd Party fee subtracted from total available funds. Music Commission approved recommendations for updated grant guidelines, including: • Expand criteria to include music industry workers based on past eligibility requirements for Creative Worker Grant • Grant awards of either $2,000 or $1,000 based on scoring that prioritizes equity and greatest financial need • Awardees remain eligible for Live Music Fund Event Program • Extend eligibility to those living in the Austin–Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) • Collect and deliver data to counties in MSA and ETJ about applicant need within their jurisdictions • Consider previous or new 3rd Party to facilitate program using City provided guidelines and application system. Reach out to Musicares to inquire if they can serve as either 3rd Party again or at least as a Community Champion • Scoring Requirements: o Lead with equity based on new federal direction from Treasury, as well as using scoring criteria from latest COA relief & recovery programs focusing on equity o More points for greater losses and those in extreme need o More points for applicants that are financially responsible for multiple dependents o More points for applicants that have lived in Austin area for multiple years o Priority given to those who haven’t yet received any City relief and recovery funding since March 2020 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Music Commission wishes to formally endorse a two tiered system based on first time applicants for awards of $2,000 and extended to the Austin-Round Rock MSA for awards of $1,000 including the above listed details as to how ARPA funds should be allocated to music. Date of Approval: August 20, 2021 Record of the vote: (Unanimous on an 8-0 vote, with Vice-Chair Patterson and Commissioner Stuart not in attendance) Attest: Kim McCarson, Liaison