Approved Minutes — original pdf

Approved Minutes

REGULAR MEETING TOURISM COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2026 The Tourism Commission Board convened in a Regular Meeting on 8 April 2026, at 301 w. Second St. in Austin, Texas. 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 Francisco Gamez, Sophia Gonzalez, Anna Panossian, and Dani Pruitt Board Members or Commissioners in Remotely: Commissioner Max Pearce Board Members or Commissioners’ Absence: Commissioners Greg Chanon, Bishop Chappell and Stefani Mathis APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approved the minutes of the Tourism Commission Board Regular Meeting on March 11, 2026. The minutes were approved at the April 8, 2026, meeting on Commissioner Panossian’s motion, Vice Chair Masters’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Greg Chanon, Bishop Chappell, and Stefani Mathis, and were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the reminder to Commissioners on the Board on upcoming elections for officers, change in the Agenda Presentations, and vacancy. The presentation was made by Felicia Burleson, Staff Liaison, Austin Convention Center Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Discussion regarding the Austin Transportation and Public Works and Austin Police Department on Safety and Updates for Sixth Street. Combined presentation by Anna Martin, Assistant Director of Austin Transportation and Public Works and Michael Chancellor, Assistant Chief for Patrol APD. Discussion regarding Stream Reality Partners and Clayton Korte on their role in revitalizing historic Sixth Street and understanding current efforts, future plans, and community 1 stewardship within the context of Austin’s tourism industry. Presented by Sky Currie, Clayton Korte American Institute of Architects (AIA) Project Manager. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Officer elections for the Tourism Commission Board. Commissioner Ed Bailey was elected as Chair on Commissioner Panossian’s motion, Commissioner Gonzalez’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Greg Chanon, Bishop Chappell, and Stefani Mathis, and were absent. Commissioner Cristina Masters was elected as Vice Chair on Commissioner Pruitt’s motion, Commissioner Panossian’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Greg Chanon, Bishop Chappell, and Stefani Mathis, and were absent. Create a Working Group for the Tourism Commission Board. The motion to approve the formation of the Hotel Occupancy Tax (H.O.T.) Grant Programs Working Group to evaluate how grant programs support Austin’s tourism economy and identify ways the Tourism Commission can strengthen program impact through recommendations to Austin City Council. The group will assess long-term outcomes to ensure HOT-funded programs remain effective, equitable, and aligned with Austin’s cultural and tourism priorities was approved on Commissioner Pruitt’s motion, Commissioner Panossian’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Bishop Chappell, Stefani Mathis, and Greg Chanon were absent. Commissioners Pruitt, Gonzalez, Panossian and Chappell volunteered to serve on the working group. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 7. Next two months may change according to the Tourism Commission Road Map guide. Chair, Ed Bailey, adjourned the meeting at 4:12 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the May 13, 2026, meeting on Commissioner Panossian’s motion, Vice Chair Masters’ second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Greg Chanon was off the dais. 2