1. REGULAR MEETING of the TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD November 13, 2024, at 2:30 pm City Hall Chambers Room 1001 301 W. Second St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Tourism Commission Board 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 Felicia Ojeda, 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Daniel Ronan, Chair, D9 Aileen Bazan, D1 Christian Tschoepe, D3 Bishop Chappell, D6 Stefani Mathis, D8 Anna Panossian, Mayoral Ed Bailey, Vice Chair, D5 Greg Chanon, D2 Allison Moujaes, D4 John Riedie, D7 District 10 (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 Approve the minutes of the Tourism Commission Board Regular Meeting on October 9, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS Staff briefing from Staff Liaison, Felicia Ojeda, regarding the vacancy and newly appointed members on the board and updates on city policy for commissions. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Presentation by Katie Edwards, Executive Director of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum regarding the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, and its tourism impact & future. Presentation by Cara Bertron, Program Manager of the City of Austin- Planning Department, regarding a follow-up regarding the Equity-Based Preservation Plan & its connection to tourism. Presentation by Stephanie Helfman, Manager, Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention Program, Austin Public Health Department regarding the impacts of vaping and e-cigarettes in public spaces impacting tourism. Presentation by Alec Puente, Government Relations Director, Texas, American Heart Association, regarding the impacts of vaping and e-cigarettes in public spaces impacting Tourism. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action to recommend to the Austin City Council to adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan. Approve the 2025 calendar for the Tourism Commission Board. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from the Short-Term Rental Working Group on any new reports regarding the STR’s new focus and efforts for recommendations. FUTURE AGENDA …
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. WORKING DOCUMENT: Tourism Commission Road Map November 2024 – December 2025 Agenda Topics, Potential Speakers & Community Presenters Note: All meetings take place on Wednesdays from 2:30pm-4:30pm in City Council Chambers (unless modified by venue availability) December 11, 2024 – Proposed: Tourism Commission Work Session January 2025 – A New Year for Tourism – Convention Center & HOT Taxes February 2025 – Revenues for Tourism – Revisiting STRs & Bonds for Tourism Destinations March 2025 – The Austin Film Industry April 2025 – The Economic Impact of Austin Tourism/Athletics & Tourism May 2025 – Celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week June 2025 – Festivals, Food & Fun July 2025 – Parks & Greenspace August 2025 – Proposed: No Meeting September 2025 – Museums & Tourism October 2025 – Historic Preservation & Tourism November 2025 – Tourism Snapshot – Where we are and where we’re going December 2025 – Tourism Commission Work Session
Smoke-Free Community Policy Alec Puente TX Government Relations Director Why is Clean Air Important? Review of the Research around Smoke-Free Air • US Surgeon General: Secondhand smoke linked to disease and premature death and those who do not smoke. • Children at higher risk for SIDS, acute respiratory problems, ear infections, asthma attacks, and slowed lung growth • Adults suffer cardiovascular effects, coronary heart disease, and lung cancer • No risk-free level of exposure, regardless of ventilation systems • No adverse impact on hospitality industry • Centers for Disease Control: risk of myocardial infarction and heart disease increases rapidly at relatively small doses, such as those from secondhand smoke • Secondhand smoke is particularly hazardous to elderly people, individuals with cardiovascular disease, and individuals with impaired respiratory function, including asthmatics and those with obstructive airway disease. 2 Business Impacts • Data, surveys, and qualitative research all indicate that smoke-free policies are popular and do not have an adverse effect on economic activity. • The North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study (issued by J.D. Power and Associates) found that, “Nearly nine of 10 guests (89%) say they prefer a smokefree hotel environment in 2008.” • World Health Organization: “smoke-free policies often have a positive economic impact.” • Data shows no effect on bar or restaurant employment. • University of Florida: no negative effect on hotel, restaurant, or tourism revenue or employment; small positive effect on restaurant revenue. • Smoke-free policies have positive effects on profitability, productivity, maintenance costs, and insurance rates. 3 Electronic Smoking Devices & Secondhand Aerosol E-cigarettes, vaporizers, an other new products • ESDs heat and vaporize a solution typically containing nicotine. These are now the most commonly-used form of tobacco by youth in the US. • Not emission-free; the aerosol contains volatile organic compounds, ultrafine particles, heavy metals, and flavorings linked to lung disease and cancer. • May exacerbate respiratory ailments like asthma, or constrict arteries leading to a heart attack. of nicotine. environments. • Non-smokers exposed to cigarette smoke and ESD aerosols absorb similar levels • ESDs have gained competitive advantages in part because of loopholes and gaps in regulation that have allowed them to be used in typically-smoke free • Exposure is declining, but more than 20% of nonsmoking adults are still exposed to secondhand smoke. 4 Policy Solutions Comprehensive Smoke-Free Air Ordinances • National best practice states that an ordinance should apply to smoking …
Electronic Cigarettes ST E PHA NIE HE L F M A N AU ST IN P U BL I C HEA LT H M A N AGER, C HRON I C DI S EASE A N D I N JURY P R E V ENTION P ROG R AM What Are Electronic Cigarettes? •“E-cigs,” “vape pens,” “vapes,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems” •Produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals that is inhaled. Source: CDC The Evolution of Electronic Cigarettes Source:: Sherburne Substance Use Coalition Truth Initiative Vaping Lingo Dictionary: https://truthinitiative.org/sites/default/files/media/files/2020/06/Truth_Vaping_Lingo_Dictionary_FINAL.pdf “Consumers have no way of knowing the doses they are inhaling, the types or concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals, or if e-cigarettes are safe for their intended use.” -2009 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) E-Cigarette Facts • Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine • Long-term effects are still being learned • Secondhand aerosol, or vapor, is NOT harmless water vapor. • E-cigarette aerosol degrades indoor air quality. “Youth use e-cigarettes more than any other tobacco product” -Centers for Disease Control and Prevention E-Cigarettes and Youth Use of E-Cigarettes, By Grade Texas Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023 20% 14% 12% 8% 8% 4% Grade 6 Grade 9 Grade 12 Past Month Lifetime 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Substances in E-Cigarette Aerosol Photo credit: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/about-e-cigarettes.html Disposable Vaping Devices •Most popular type of e-cigarette with youth •Disposable e-cigarettes were exempt from federal restrictions on flavors. •Following exemption, disposable e-cigarettes increased in popularity about 1,000% among high school e-cigarette users. Photo credit: Truth Initiative Vaping and Mental Health MYTH: Nicotine can help relieve stress Nicotine can increase feelings of anxiety and depression and increase stress. Source: Truth Initiative Emerging Products: Oral Nicotine Pouches Contain nicotine power instead of tobacco leaf May be marketed as “tobacco-free” Come in flavors such as fruit and mint Second most common tobacco product among middle school and high school youth Photo credit: Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids Laws & Regulations Federal Laws ◦ Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (2009) ◦ FDA regulation of cigarettes, smokeless, and roll-your-own tobacco ◦ FDA regulates all tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes and vape pens. (2016) ◦ Tobacco 21 Law (2019) ◦ Raised the federal minimum age for sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years ◦ Policy on Flavored E-cigarettes (2020) ◦ FDA Limits flavors for specific e-cigarette devices ◦ Menthol exemption ◦ Disposables …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL TO ADOPT THE EQUITY-BASED PRESERVATION PLAN WHEREAS, Austin’s existing plan to guide historic preservation policies, programs, and activities was adopted in 1981; and WHEREAS, both Austin and the historic preservation field have changed substantially in the past 43 years; and WHEREAS, the Historic Landmark Commission initiated the development of a new preservation plan for Austin in 2021; and WHEREAS, the resulting Equity-Based Preservation Plan (the preservation plan) was developed by a community working group with members from across Austin bringing diverse lived experiences as well as professional and community expertise; and WHEREAS, broad, inclusive outreach and engagement around the draft preservation plan reached more than 2,500 people throughout the city to review and comment on the plan’s goals and recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Tourism Commission received a briefing on the draft preservation plan at its April 2024 meeting; and WHEREAS, the community working group and Historic Landmark Commission revised and finalized the preservation plan based on public feedback; and WHEREAS, the preservation plan aligns with and furthers the goals of the Tourism Commission, particularly recommendations related to moving forward the incentives for placemaking and preservation that provide incentives for creating tourism destinations in Austin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF AUSTIN TOURISM COMMISSION: The Austin Tourism Commission recommends that City Council adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan and support its timely implementation.
TEXAS CI TIES WI TH A COMPREHENSI VE SMOKE-FREE ORDI NANCE ANTHONY EL PASO HORIZON CITY SOCORRO SAN ELIZARIO ABILENE SAN ANGELO 107 CITIES AS OF JUNE 2024 12.5 MILLION+ CITIZENS PROTECTED FROM SECONDHAND SMOKE VERNON BURKBURNETT WICHITA FALLS DENTON LITTLE ELM HIGHLAND VILLAGE FLOWER MOUND SOUTHLAKE FORT WORTH BENBROOK DUNCANVILLE DENISON MCKINNEY PLANO UNIVERSITY PARK IRVING DALLAS ARLINGTON MESQUITE LANCASTER DESOTO SEAGOVILLE ENNIS GRANBURY RED OAK WAXAHACHIE MARSHALL LINDALE TYLER HENDERSON NACOGDOCHES LUFKIN WACO LACY-LAKEVIEW ROBINSON COPPERAS COVE NOLANVILLE BRYAN HUNTSVILLE HORSESHOE BAY AUSTIN COLLEGE STATION PRAIRIE VIEW BROOKSHIRE SPRING VALLEY BEAUMONT MONT BELVIEU HOUSTON BAYTOWN MISSOURI CITY PEARLAND DEL RIO UNIVERSAL CITY EAGLE PASS SAN MARCOS NEW BRAUNFELS SCHERTZ SAN ANTONIO VICTORIA PORT LAVACA BEEVILLE CORPUS CHRISTI LAREDO EL CENIZO LA GRULLA LA JOYA PENITAS SULLIVAN CITY PALMVIEW RIO GRANDE CITY FALFURRIAS LA VILLA ROMA EDINBURG ALTON EDCOUCH ELSA SAN PERLITA RAYMONDVILLE LYFORD PALMHURST PHARR ALAMO SAN JUAN COMBES SANTA ROSA RIO HONDO DONNA MISSION MCALLEN HIDALGO WESLACO MERCEDES PROGRESO ESCOBARES BROWNSVILLE HARLINGEN SAN BENITO LAGUNA VISTA PORT ISABEL
Tourism Commission Board Meeting Month Day/ Date Time Location January Wednesday / 8th 2:30pm - 4:30pm February Wednesday / 12th 2:30pm - 4:30pm March Wednesday / 12th 2:30pm - 4:30pm April May June July Wednesday / 9th 2:30pm - 4:30pm Wednesday / 14th 2:30pm - 4:30pm Wednesday / 11th 2:30pm - 4:30pm Monday / 9th 2:30pm - 4:30pm August No Meeting Set September Wednesday / 10th 2:30pm - 4:30pm October Wednesday / 8th 2:30pm - 4:30pm November Wednesday / 12th 2:30pm - 4:30pm December Wednesday / 10th 2:30pm - 4:30pm Council Chambers Room 1001 Council Chambers Room 1001 Council Chambers Room 1001 Council Chambers Room 1001 Council Chambers Room 1001 Council Chambers Room 1001 Council Chambers Room 1001 Council Chambers Room 1001 Council Chambers Room1001 Council Chambers Room 1001 Council Chambers Room 1001 This was approved at the November 13, 2025, meeting with Commissioner Panossian’s motion to approve the 2025 dates for the 2nd Wednesdays of each month at 2:30pm- 4:30pm. Commissioner Chanon’s seconded the motion. The approval passed with a unanimous vote 9-0. Tourism Commission Board 2025 Meeting Schedule
1. REGULAR MEETING of the TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD October 9, 2024, at 2:30 pm City Hall Chambers Room 1001 301 W. Second St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Tourism Commission Board 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 Felicia Ojeda, 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Daniel Ronan, Chair, D9 Aileen Bazan, D1 Christian Tschoepe, D3 Bishop Chappell, D6 Stefani Mathis, D8 Anna Panossian, Mayoral Ed Bailey, Vice Chair, D5 Greg Chanon, D2 Allison Moujaes, D4 John Riedie, D7 District 10 (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 Approve the minutes of the Tourism Commission Board Regular Meeting on September 11, 2024. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS Staff briefing from Staff Liaison, Felicia Ojeda, regarding the vacancy on the board and updates and policy. Introduction of the newly appointed District 4 member, Allison Moujaes, to the Tourism Commission Board. Presentation by Cara Bertron, Program Manager of the City of Austin- Planning Department, regarding the Equity-Based Preservation Plan and its connection to Tourism. Presentation by Cody Scott, Facility Processes Manager of the City of Austin- Austin Public Library, regarding the Austin History Center Capital Improvements including building a destination for Tourism. Presentation by Katie Edwards, Executive Director of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, regarding the forthcoming Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum preservation project including building a destination for Tourism. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action to recommend to the Austin City Council to adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan. Discussion and possible action to recommend to the Austin City Council to move forward with the Doherty Arts Center Project. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 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 …
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. WORKING DOCUMENT: Tourism Commission Road Map November 2024 – December 2025 Agenda Topics, Potential Speakers & Community Presenters Note: All meetings take place on Wednesdays from 2:30pm-4:30pm in City Council Chambers (unless modified by venue availability) November 13, 2024 – PROPOSED TOPIC – Tourism & Wellness – Creating a Welcoming Tourism Environment 1. • Potential Speakers: Night Club Venues, Security Teams, Public Health Advocates • Potential Community Presenters: TBA December 11, 2024 – Proposed: Tourism Commission Work Session January 2025 – A New Year for Tourism – Convention Center & HOT Taxes February 2025 – Revenues for Tourism – Revisiting STRs & Bonds for Tourism Destinations March 2025 – The Austin Film Industry April 2025 – The Economic Impact of Austin Tourism/Athletics & Tourism May 2025 – Celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week June 2025 – Festivals, Food & Fun July 2025 – Parks & Greenspace August 2025 – Proposed: No Meeting September 2025 – Museums & Tourism October 2025 – Historic Preservation & Tourism November 2025 – Tourism Snapshot – Where we are and where we’re going December 2025 – Tourism Commission Work Session
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL TO COMPLETE THE DOUGHERTY ARTS CENTER REPLACEMENT PROJECT WHEREAS, the Dougherty Arts Center has been a cornerstone of Austin’s cultural landscape for over 45 years as well as an economic driver for Austin’s creative economy, WHEREAS, the Dougherty Arts Center advertises programs to tourists and provides evergreen programming to all who enter during the Dougherty’s open hours, WHEREAS, the Dougherty Arts Center provides invaluable programs through its arts school, theater and gallery spaces, enhancing Austin’s image as an attractive destination for local families, out of town visitors and relocating workers, WHEREAS, the existing building is undeniably unsafe due to the presence of asbestos and other infrastructure issues making the need for a new building both urgent and non-negotiable, WHEREAS, the replacement project was initiated with a two-year community engagement process which enjoyed enthusiastic participation from artists, PARD staff, non-profit organizations and neighbors at a cost of $1 million, WHEREAS, City Council passed Resolution 20221208-068 directed the City Manager to complete the Dougherty Arts Center without a reduction in size or scope WHEREAS, Austin Parks and Recreation Director provided a presentation to a work session of City Council on March 19, 2024 suggesting that the project begin again with a new community engagement and a new design after $4.6 million was spent on the design of the new building which fully addressed the concerns and needs of the Dougherty’s constituents, WHEREAS, Studio 8 completed construction documents after 10 years of planning, design and engagement and is ready to amend the design to eliminate the costly underground parking garage, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF AUSTIN TOURISM COMMISSION: that City Council formally commit to completing the Dougherty Arts Center without a reduction in size and scope as stated in Council Resolution 20221208-068 with a complete arts center made up of theaters, galleries and art schools as designed by Studio 8, and that the necessary funds required to complete the Dougherty be included in the 2026 bond.
TOURISM COMMISSION | OCTOBER 9, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Planning Process HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Michelle Benavides Mary Jo Galindo*1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* 1 JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 Julia Brookins* Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko 1 Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Ursula A. Carter Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Image sources: Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Images: Joe’s Bakery, home in Zilker neighborhood, detail from Music Listening Map by Amy Moreland Plan Goals 107 recommendations 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Make preservation more accessible 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Images, clockwise from top left: Juneteenth parade, unveiling of La Loteria mural, archaeological resources Image sources: The Austin Chronicle (two images), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support displacement prevention and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Engage new partners and audiences • Help community members access knowledge and resources • Support people doing the work: homeowners and tenants, crafts- people, commissioners, and staff Images, clockwise from top left: Protest at City Hall to preserve Edward Rendon Park (Chicano Park), door hanger in San Antonio, “Stories within Stories” project of the Austin Asian American Film Festival Image sources: Bertha Rendon Delgado, San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation, Austin Asian American …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL TO ADOPT THE EQUITY-BASED PRESERVATION PLAN WHEREAS, Austin’s existing plan to guide historic preservation policies, programs, and activities was adopted in 1981; and WHEREAS, both Austin and the historic preservation field have changed substantially in the past 43 years; and WHEREAS, the Historic Landmark Commission initiated the development of a new preservation plan for Austin in 2021; and WHEREAS, the resulting Equity-Based Preservation Plan (the preservation plan) was developed by a community working group with members from across Austin bringing diverse lived experiences as well as professional and community expertise; and WHEREAS, broad, inclusive outreach and engagement around the draft preservation plan reached more than 2,500 people throughout the city to review and comment on the plan’s goals and recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Tourism Commission received a briefing on the draft preservation plan at its April 2024 meeting; and WHEREAS, the community working group and Historic Landmark Commission revised and finalized the preservation plan based on public feedback; and WHEREAS, the preservation plan aligns with and furthers the goals of the Tourism Commission, particularly recommendations related to moving forward the incentives for placemaking and preservation that provide incentives for creating tourism destinations in Austin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF AUSTIN TOURISM COMMISSION: The Austin Tourism Commission recommends that City Council adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan and support its timely implementation.
Austin History Center Campus Facilities Process Manager - Cody Scott Austin History Center Campus John Henry Faulk Building What did we do? • Renovation of 2nd and 3rd floors for archival storage • Substantial Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing upgrades • Elevator Upgrades • Partial 4th Floor Office Upgrade • Asbestos and Lead Abatement within Limits of Construction • Exterior Façade Power Wash Cleaning • Partial 1st Floor Lobby Upgrade Austin History Center What did we do? • Exterior Stonework and Window Repair • ADA Lift Repair/Replacement • Asbestos and Lead Abatement within Limits of Construction • ADA compliance & Landscape upgrades Phase 2 Improvement Concepts John Henry Faulk • First Floor Gallery • Plaza Courtyard • Rooftop Garden • Exterior Façade Austin History Center • Interior Renovations • Sustainability and Resiliency Programming Austin History Center - Current Programming Activities Tabling at cultural events Mini Exhibits & Traveling Exhibits such as “Austin Mexico” Family Archiving Workshops Community Engagement Series to gather feedback School Visits focused on community history and research skills Community Conversations exploring Mexican American and Latino/a/e/x identities Austin History Center Campus– Potential Programming Author visits and lectures on Austin and Central Texas history Shared Exhibit Spaces Develop Interactive Exhibits Oral History Recording Booth
TOURISM COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 9, OCTOBER 2024 The TOURISM COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 9, OCTOBER 2024, at 301 w. Second St. in Austin, Texas. Chair, Daniel Ronan called the TOURISM COMMISSION Meeting to order at 2:33 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioners Ed Bailey, Greg Chanon, Bishop Chappell, Stefani Mathis, Anna Panossian, Daniel Ronan, and Christian Tschoepe Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioners John Riedie and Aileen Bazan 1. Laura Esparza, Executive Director of A3 (formerly Arts Alliance of Austin) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the TOURISM COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on September 11, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 9/11/2024 were approved on Commissioner Chappell’s motion and Commissioner Panossian’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Ed Bailey, Greg Chanon, Bishop Chappell, Stefani Mathis Anna Panossian, John Riedie, Daniel Ronan, and Christian Tschoepe approved the vote. Commissioner Aileen Bazan was off the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff Liaison, Felicia Ojeda briefed on the vacancy for District 10 and new format for virtual attendance of commissioners. 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS variety of items Introduction of the newly appointed District 4 member, Allison Moujaes, to the Tourism Commission Board. Cara Bertron, Program Manager of the City of Austin- Planning Department, presented on the Equity-Based Preservation Plan and its connection to Tourism. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Discussion and possible action to recommend to the Austin City Council to adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan. a. The motion to recommend to the Austin City Council to adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan failed on Commissioner Riedie’s motion, Commissioner Bazan second on a 5-4 vote. Those members voting aye were: Chair Ronan, Commissioners Bazan, Chappell, Riedie, and Tschoepe. Those voting nay were: Vice Chair Bailey, Commissioners Chanon, Mathis, and Panossian b. The motion has failed. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Cody Scott, Facility Processes Manager of the City of Austin- Austin Public Library, presented on the Austin History Center Capital Improvements including building a destination for Tourism. 8. Discussion and possible action to recommend to the Austin City Council to move forward with the Doherty Arts Center Project. a. The motion to recommend to the Austin City Council to move forward with the Doherty Arts Center Project was approved on Commissioner Panossian motion, Commissioner Chappell second on a unanimous vote. b. The motion to recommend was approved with the following friendly amendment on motion …
1. REGULAR MEETING of the TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD September 11, 2024, at 2:30 pm City Hall Chambers Room 1001 301 W. Second St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Tourism Commission Board 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 Felicia Ojeda, 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Daniel Ronan, Chair, D9 Aileen Bazan, D1 Christian Tschoepe, D3 Bishop Chappell, D6 Stefani Mathis, D8 Anna Panossian, Mayoral Ed Bailey, Vice Chair, D5 Greg Chanon, D2 District 4 (vacant) John Riedie, D7 Mike Cannatti, D10 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 Approve the minutes of the Tourism Commission Board Regular Meeting on July 15, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS Staff briefing from Staff Liaison, Felicia Ojeda, regarding upcoming meetings, reminders of Board and Commission policies, and deadlines. 3. 6. 7. Presentation by Laura Esparza, Executive Director of A3 (formerly Arts Alliance of Austin), regarding an update on Doherty Arts Center Project and its tourism potential. Discussion regarding the vacancy of District 4. Discussion regarding the Tourism Commission Road Map on upcoming topics. 4. 5. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action to reestablishment of the Short- Term Rental Work Group and its potential priorities and next steps. Discussion and possible action to reestablishment of Parks & Environment Work Group and its potential priorities and next steps. 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 Felicia Ojeda at Austin Convention Center Department, at felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. …
W H AT I S A 3 ? - A non-profit Local Arts Agency devoted to supporting artists, musicians, performers and arts contractors who make Austin a vibrant city. - An all-volunteer organization of business and arts professionals who believe that the arts are integral to our quality of life. - A catalyst for community change in collaboration with others who are committed to the value of the arts. WHAT IS A LOCAL ARTS AGENCY? • The nation’s 4,500 Local Arts Agencies (LAAs) promote, support, and develop the arts at the local level ensuring a vital presence for the arts throughout America’s communities. LAAs are diverse in their makeup—they have many different names and embrace a spectrum of artistic disciplines. But each LAA, in its own way, works to sustain the health and vitality of the arts and artists locally, while also striving to make the arts accessible to all members of a community. • The Cultural Arts Division is a Local Arts Agency but cities can have more than one thus diversifying the funding pool. • Americans for the Arts tells us that the Arts strengthen the economy and community cohesiveness. Museum with an Arts and Crafts Festival. • Kevin Ivester, Gallery Owner WHO IS A3? PA S T • The Texas Fine Arts Association started in 1911 at the Elisabet Ney Museum. • In 1950 it fundraised for Laguna Gloria • In 1956 they renamed their festival FIESTA, in an inappropriate act of cultural appropriation. • In 1989 the organization became Art Alliance Austin and produced Art City Austin. • It went dormant in 2020 due to COVID- 19 pandemic. P R E S E N T • Board Chair Eric Hiduke, Attorney-at-Law • David Goujon, Architect • Jade Walker, Curator • Andrea Hyland, Event Producer • Imani Aanu, Director Austin Samba School • Kayo Asazu, Restaurant owner/operator • Nick Stillman, Executive Director Prospect New Orleans. • Advisors: Constance White (Airport Arts & Music) Lourdes Rodriguez (ED David Rockefeller Fund) Lydia Galvan (Teacher) Dana Friis-Hansen (Retired Museum Director) CAN A3 FUND CITY FACILITIES? • City staff and Commissioners cannot solicit funds from individuals, businesses or the COA Cultural Arts Division. • They can write grants but this requires two acts of City Council and the timelines do not always match the funders’ deadlines. • Gifts of money directly to cultural centers cannot be used in the same fiscal …
WORKING DOCUMENT: Tourism Commission Road Map June 2024 – December 2024 Agenda Topics, Potential Speakers & Community Presenters Note: All meetings take place on Wednesdays from 2:30pm-4:30pm in City Council Chambers (unless modified by venue availability) 1. October 9, 2024 – Across the Town: From Districts to Downtown • Potential Speakers: City of Austin Economist, Downtown Austin Alliance & • Potential Community Presenters: Palm District Cultural Organizations & Preservation Austin Local Tour Guides November 13, 2024 – PROPOSED TOPIC – Tourism & Wellness – Creating a Welcoming Tourism Environment • Potential Speakers: Night Club Venues, Security Teams, Public Health Advocates • Potential Community Presenters: TBA December 11, 2024 – Proposed: No Meeting 2. 3.
