SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026, AT 2:30 P.M. CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001 300 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Tourism 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, contact Felicia Burleson, (512) 978-1325 or felicia.burleson@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ed Bailey, Chair, D5 Greg Chanon, D2 Francisco “Cisco” Gamez, D1 Anna Panossian, Mayoral District 7 (vacant) District 9 (vacant) Cristina Masters, Vice Chair, D10 Bishop Chappell, D6 Stefani Mathis, D8 Dani Pruitt, D3 District 4 (vacant) 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 Tourism Commission Board Regular Meeting on January 14, 2026 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing from Staff Liaison, Felicia Burleson, regarding commission board recent vacancy filled and new status, deadlines, resources, and updates. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by the Austin Convention Center regarding design concepts for the new Austin Convention Center footprint/pad and discuss how the redevelopment will transform integration with surrounding areas. Presentation by Katy Zamesnik, Interim Director. 4. Presentation by the Downtown Austin Alliance regarding the Downtown Austin Alliance’s role in the planning process for creating a smarter, more integrated downtown. Presentation by Davon Barbour, Executive Director. 5. Presentation by the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy regarding the Waterloo Greenway Project - Phase II: The Confluence, exploring the role of planning in shaping a smarter, more integrated downtown, with a focus on the new Austin Convention Center design and tourism initiatives. Presentation by John Rigdon, Chief Planning & Design Officer. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 6. Update from the Short-Term Rental Working Group on any new reports regarding the STR’s new focus and efforts for recommendations. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon …
Waterloo Greenway Project Overview Tourism Commission | February 2026 WEST AUSTIN OLD ENFIELD WEST UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS FRENCH PLACE ROLLINGWOOD L a d y CLARKSVILLE B i r d L a k e BARTON HILLS ZILKER BOULDIN CREEK CAPITOL CENTRAL EAST AUSTIN EAST CESAR CHAVEZ HOLLY First Congress TRAVIS HEIGHTS The Impacts of Growth Waller Creek: Infrastructural Overload Flooding, Damage, and Economic Stagnation 100-year storm floods 28 acres of downtown Austin This is no longer a landscape... City of Austin Flood Control Tunnel Governance and Project Leadership • • • • • • Sponsoring Departments: PARD & Watershed Protection Code Compliance Public Health, Safety & Welfare Environmental Stewardship Subject Matter Expertise Capital Project Funding • Community Leadership • Operations & Maintenance • • • • Programming & Art Environmental Stewardship Design Excellence Capital Project Funding Council approved project and partnership Waller Creek Local Government Corporation • Representatives of City Council • Open meetings and citizen communication • Approval of contracts and design/construction budgets Public-Private Partnership Public Oversight MVVA: Design Competition and Project Vision • 35 acres of parks and open space along 1.5 miles of Waller Creek • A connected series of parks, stitching together over 3 miles of trails with dozens of connections to the right-of-way • Robust regional landscapes and restoration of Waller Creek • Actively programmed and managed by Waterloo Greenway Conservancy to the highest standard Phase 1: Waterloo Park Lady Bird Lake C E S A R C H A V E Z S T Pontoon Bridge Austin Convention Center Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Creek Delta RAINEY ST D A V S S T I D R I S K I L L S T Palm School Palm Park Texas Capitol N 2 N D S T 3 R D S T 4 T H S T 5 T H S T 6 T H S T 7 T H S T 8 T H S T 9 T H S T 1 0 T H S T 1 1 T H S T 1 2 T H S T Moody Amphitheater 1 5 T H S T SAN JACINTO BLVD Frank C. Erwin, Jr. Special Events Center TRINITY ST NECHES ST RED RIVER ST SABINE ST Red River Cultural District The Refuge IH-35 • • • • • Waterloo Park Dell Seton Medical Center Dell Medical School at the University of …
AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER REDEVELOPMENT Austin is the 13th largest city in the country. But the Austin Convention Center is only the 61st largest. 2 Once the redevelopment is complete, we expect the Austin Convention Center to be around the 35th largest in the country. 3 The redeveloped Austin Convention Center will be larger than: Charlotte Fort Worth Baltimore Nashville Kansas City Pittsburgh Once complete, Austin’s new competitive set will include: San Antonio Boston Seattle Philadelphia Denver Project Overview Rentable Square Footage Total Budget $1.66B Annual Economic Impact $750M+ Construction Schedule April 2025-December 2028 EXISTING CONVENTION CENTER 365,000 SF NEW CONVENTION CENTER 620,000 SF + 140,000 SF in the future Funding HOT*, Convention Center Revenues, PFZ* *HOT: Hotel Occupancy Tax, PFZ: Project Financing Zone Our Partners Construction Schedule 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 3rd St. Electrical 3 R Red Line Station Chilled Water Loop AE Demo We are here Excavation Building Construction Closed April 2025 Open March 2029 PROJECT GOALS Austin City Council Resolution NO. 20210610-096 The City Council seeks to work with the prime architecture firm capable of delivering a world class design befitting a city of Austin’s size and prominence. The Convention Center design shall incorporate the most innovative ideas in programming and placemaking and shall aim to create a civic building that draws and serves Austinites as well as visitors. The City council affirms its intention that the convention Center be, like its companion civic building to the west, the Austin Central Library, a landmark of great distinction, a bustling and vital public gathering place, and a point of pride for the community. Uniquely Austin Sustainability ACC will be the world’s First Zero Carbon Certified Convention Center powered by 100% renewable energy and built with low-impact materials. Art in Public Places SCALE $17.7M TOTAL INVESTMENT Austin’s largest single investment in public art to date ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRATION 10 artists selected during schematic design of building for architecturally- integrated art Additional AIPP artwork will follow more traditional procurement timeline PRESENTING Outdoor Event + The Warehouse • Enhance Connections and Movements • Flexible Event & Gathering Places • Abundant Shade & Comfort • Reflect History of the Site and Materials • Extension of Warehouse District Scale E H T A G R THE BAC K YAR D FESTIVA L D A N E M O R P TH EWAREHOUS E E DISPLAY DROP- OFF BACKYARD PROMENAD E WAREHOUS E EXHAL …
Presented to: City of Austin Tourism Commission February 9, 2026 DOWNTOWNAUSTIN UPDATES AGENDA Who We are Downtown Market Snapshot What We Do Key Initiatives Closing CITY of Austin Toursim Commission 2/29/2026 WHO WE ARE Our mission is to create, preserve and enhance the vibe, vitality and value of Downtown Austin for everyone. FOUNDING: 1993 DPID TERM: 2023-2032 DPID SIZE: 600 Acres ASSESSMENT RATE: $0.0925 per $100 on commercial properties valued at more than $500,000 DOWNTOWNAUSTINFAST FACTS ACTIVEURBANISM Downtown ignites, attractsand cultivates authenticarts, culture, music, natureand sense of placeSTRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITIESBUILTENVIRONMENT Downtown grows with adelightful and eclectic mixof modern investment andbeautiful public spaces,while preserving historiccharacter and funkyweirdnessMOBILITY Downtown is easier andmore enjoyable to accessand move within, hasenhanced pedestrian andtransportation facilities,and improved connectionsto neighboringcommunitiesLEADERSHIP &INFLUENCE The Downtown AustinAlliance is entrusted withthe responsibility toeffectively lead, influenceand visibly steward adowntown for allPUBLIC SPACEEXPERIENCE Downtown is clean, safeand welcoming foreveryone2023-2028PHOTO: Marina Wanders MARKET SNAPSHOT ACL AND FORMULA 1 BUOY HOTEL MARKET IN FINAL MONTHS OF 2025 Downtown Hotel Average Daily RateH1 2019H2 2019H1 2020H2 2020H1 2021H2 2021H1 2022H2 2022H1 2023H2 2023H1 2024H2 2024H1 2025H2 2025$0$50$100$150$200$250$300Downtown Hotel Average Occupancy RateH1 2019H2 2019H1 2020H2 2020H1 2021H2 2021H1 2022H2 2022H1 2023H2 2023H1 2024H2 2024H1 2025H2 20250%20%40%60%80%100% Downtown remains open for tourism business! In support off Visit Austin, DAA has traveled and participated in Sales Missions to amplify why Downtown Austin remains a compelling destination for group travel despite the presence of an operational convention center. Dallas - October 23 Atlanta - October 29 MEETING &CONVENTION SALES VISITOR FOOT TRAFFIC AT 94% COMPARED TO 2019 Monthly Visitors Downtown1/1/20194/1/20197/1/201910/1/20191/1/20204/1/20207/1/202010/1/20201/1/20214/1/20217/1/202110/1/20211/1/20224/1/20227/1/202210/1/20221/1/20234/1/20237/1/202310/1/20231/1/20244/1/20247/1/202410/1/20241/1/20254/1/20257/1/202510/1/202501,000,0002,000,0003,000,0004,000,0005,000,000 CONSUMER SPENDING DECREASED 21% YEAR-OVER-YEAR COMPARED TO 2024 Estimated consumer spending downtown for 2025 was approximately $2.16 billion Dining and Nightlife spending remains the most prominent, accounting for approximately 20% of spending downtown. Macro-economic and geopolitical trends weighed heavily on consumer confidence in 2025; however, several economic forecasts suggest a return to normal conditions throughout 2026. WHAT WE DO Keep downtown clean, safe, beautiful and welcoming every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call 512.937.7422 or submit a service request online for ambassador services The bike patrol addresses non- emergency quality-of-life issues daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The mobile patrol in the downtown entertainment district works Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. KeepingDowntown AustinPublic SpacesClean, Safe &Welcoming For All2025 Ambassador of the Year, Isaak GhebremaraimDOWNTOWN AMBASSADORSDOWNTOWN SAFETY TEAM WRITING ON THE WALLS Collaborative public art …
REGULAR MEETING of the TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026, AT 2:30 P.M. CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001 300 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Tourism 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, contact Felicia Burleson, (512) 978-1325 or felicia.burleson@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ed Bailey, Chair, D5 Greg Chanon, D2 Francisco “Cisco” Gamez, D1 Anna Panossian, Mayoral Dan Webb, D7 District 9 (vacant) Cristina Masters, Vice Chair, D10 Bishop Chappell, D6 Stefani Mathis, D8 Dani Pruitt, D3 District 4 (vacant) 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 Tourism Commission Board Regular Meeting on December 10, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing from Staff Liaison, Felicia Burleson, regarding commission board recent vacancy filled and status, deadlines, resources, and updates. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by the Austin Tourism Public Improvement District (ATPID) regarding the 10- year service plan and introduction of the Executive Director, Tim Sullivan. 4. Presentation by the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association regarding the Legislative actions from the 2025 Regular Session impacting the state’s hospitality industry, as well as upcoming issues anticipated in the next Regular Session. Including an overview of the Austin Tourism Public Improvement District (ATPID) and how TPIDs operate from the state perspective, including examples of other TPID initiatives in Texas cities.), and the use of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds, Presentation by Scott Joslove, President & CEO. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and approval of the Tourism Commission 2026 annual schedule and strategic roadmap. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 6. Update from the Short-Term Rental Working Group on any new reports regarding the STR’s new focus and efforts for recommendations. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will …
Version 2 Austin Tourism Public Improvement District (ATPID) DRAFT Service Plan Re vise d : Se p te m b e r 6, 20 23 District Name The name of the district shall be the Austin Tourism Public Improvement District (ATPID or District). District Location The ATPID will be located wholly within the City of Austin, Texas (City), a Texas home rule municipality. The proposed boundaries of the proposed ATPID are as shown on the attached map marked Exhibit “A” and includes hotel properties that may be non-contiguous with one hundred (100) or more rooms within the City of Austin. Purpose of the ATPID The purpose of the ATPID will be to provide funding for special supplemental services relating to increased marketing, sales initiatives and sales incentives to retain and secure existing and new meetings, sporting and other events, and conventions at the Austin Convention Center (ACC) and the Palmer Event Center (PEC), sales incentives to retain and secure additional citywide, transient and group business at individual District hotels, and research to assess the impact of the ATPID marketing and sales initiatives, all with the purpose of increasing the demand for hotel activity within the District. Method of Assessment The ATPID assessment will be levied on hotel properties located within the ATPID with 100 or more rooms ordinarily used for sleeping. The annual assessment rate for all hotel properties within the District shall be two percent (2%) of gross taxable room night rental revenue, which reflects the special benefits accruing to the hotel properties because of the services provided by the ATPID funding. The ATPID assessment shall only apply to hotel room night sales which are subject to local hotel occupancy tax under Texas state law. If a room night rental transaction is exempt from local hotel occupancy tax, it is also exempt from the application of the ATPID assessment. The estimated ten (10) year ATPID service plan is shown in the table below. Revenue growth is estimated at 7.5% or more each year in order to maximize the likelihood the ATPID can Page 1 of 12 access all potential revenues during each fiscal year. It is possible that the actual revenues each year will be less than this projection. Fiscal Year* Convention Center Sales & Group Business Incentives (Max 20%) Marketing and Additional Sales Outreach (Min 60%) Hotel Activity Incentive Program (10%) Research & Administration (10%) Total 2023-24 2024-25** …
What Cities Need to Know to Administer Municipal Hotel Occupancy Taxes Texas Hotel & Lodging Association REVISED JUNE 2025 What Cities Need to Know to Administer Municipal Hotel Occupancy Taxes Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 4 AUTHORIZED MUNICIPALITIES ........................................................................................................ 4 COLLECTING THE TAX ...................................................................................................................... 5 EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LOCAL TAX .............................................................................................. 6 THLA’S SIMPLIFIED HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX EXEMPTION RULES .................................................. 9 HOW THE CITY RECEIVES THE MUNICIPAL HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX ........................................... 11 REIMBURSEMENT TO A HOTEL FOR COLLECTION EXPENSES, AND USE OF LOCAL HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX REVENUES BY A CITY FOR TAX COLLECTION COSTS ......................................... 11 PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO REPORT OR COLLECT THE TAX ........................................................ 12 ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY OF A CITY ......................................................................................... 13 USE OF LOCAL HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX REVENUES ..................................................................... 14 Criteria #1: First, every local hotel occupancy tax revenue expenditure must DIRECTLY enhance and promote tourism AND the convention and hotel industry. ........................................................................................................ 14 Criteria #2: Every expenditure of the hotel occupancy tax must clearly fit into one of nine statutorily provided categories for expenditure of local hotel occupancy tax revenues. ............................................................................ 16 Funding the establishment, improvement, or maintenance of a convention center or visitor information 16 17 Paying the administrative costs for facilitating convention registration. Paying for advertising, solicitations, and promotions that attract tourists and convention delegates to Expenditures that promote the arts. Funding historical restoration or preservation programs. Funding certain expenses, including promotional expenses, directly related to a sporting event within Funding the enhancement or upgrading of existing sports facilities or sports fields for certain 1) center. 2) 3) the city or its vicinity. 4) 5) 6) counties with a population of under one million. 7) municipalities. 8) 9) municipality. Funding transportation of tourists from hotels to attractions Signage directing tourists to sights and attractions that are visited frequently by hotel guests in the 24 Summary of the Nine Uses for the Local Hotel Occupancy Tax ................................................................................... 24 ADMINISTERING HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX REVENUE EXPENDITURES .......................................... 25 Duty of funded entities to provide a list of activities. ................................................................................................. 25 Delegating management of funded activities.............................................................................................................. 26 2 Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, 2025 17 17 20 20 21 23 What Cities Need to Know to Administer Municipal Hotel Occupancy Taxes Use of hotel occupancy tax revenues to cover administrative expenses. ................................................................... 26 SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES ............................................................................ 28 QUALIFIED HOTEL PROJECT (QHP) INCENTIVES: .......................................................................... 40 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ......................................................................................................... 44 3 Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, 2025 …
REGULAR MEETING TOURISM COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 The Tourism Commission Board convened in a Regular meeting on 14, January 2026, at 301 w. Second St. in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Ed Bailey called the Tourism Commission Board Meeting to order at 2:33 p.m. Board Members or Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Ed Bailey, Vice Chair Cristina Masters, Commissioners Greg Chanon, Bishop Chappell, Francisco “Cisco” Gamez, Stefani Mathis, Anna Panossian, and Dani Pruitt Board Members or Commissioners in Absence: Commissioner Dan Webb PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Daniel Ronan, former Commissioner of the Tourism Commission, to give his support. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Tourism Commission Board Regular Meeting on December 10, 2025 The minutes from the Tourism Commission Board Regular Meeting on December 10, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Pruitt’s motion, Commissioner Chanon’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Dan Webb was absent STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the reminder of the upcoming 2026 calendar dates have conflict and need discussion and approval of changes needed. The presentation was made by Felicia Burleson, Staff Liaison, Austin Convention Center Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion regarding the Legislative actions from the 2025 Regular Session impacting the state’s hospitality industry, as well as upcoming issues anticipated in the next Regular Session. Including an overview of the Austin Tourism Public Improvement District (ATPID) and how TPIDs operate from the state perspective, including examples of other TPID initiatives in Texas cities.), and the use of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds, Presented by Scott Joslove, President & CEO. 1 Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and approval of the Tourism Commission 2026 annual schedule and strategic roadmap. Discussed. a. The motion to approve a Special Called Meeting for February 9, 2026, and cancel the Regular Meeting for February 11, 2026, was approved in Commissioner Gamez’s motion, Commissioner Panossian’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Dan Webb was absent. b. The motion to cancel a Regular Meeting for August 12, 2026, was approved in Commissioner Panossian’s motion, Commissioner Chanon’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Dan Webb was absent. c. The motion to approve a Special Called Meeting for November 16, 2026, and cancel the Regular Meeting for November 11, 2026, was approved in Commissioner Gamez’s motion, Commissioner Pruitt’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Dan Webb was absent. d. Commissioner Pruitt recommends inviting C3 and the Moody Center as event industry …
