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.
TOURISM COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 11, SEPTEMBER 2024 The TOURISM COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 11, SEPTEMBER 2024, at 301 w. Second St. in Austin, Texas. Chair, Daniel Ronan called the TOURISM COMMISSION Meeting to order at 2:32 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioners Ed Bailey, Greg Chanon, Bishop Chappell, Stefani Mathis, Anna Panossian, John Riedie, and Daniel Ronan Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioners Christian Tschoepe Board Members/Commissioners Absence: Commissioners Aileen Bazan APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the TOURISM COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on July 15, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 7/15/2024 were approved on Commissioner Panossian’s motion and Vice Chair Ed Bailey’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Ed Bailey, Bishop Chappell, Stefani Mathis Anna Panossian, Daniel Ronan, and Christian Tschoepe approved the vote. Commissioners Aileen Bazan was absent. Commissioner Greg Chanon and John Riedie was off the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Liaison, Felicia Ojeda briefed the board on the upcoming meetings, and vacancy for District 4 and reminder of the Texas Open Meetings Act policy and procedures. DISCUSSION ITEMS variety of items Laura Esparza, Executive Director of A3 (formerly Arts Alliance of Austin), presented on an update on Doherty Arts Center Project and its tourism potential. Discussion regarding the vacancy of District 4. 3. 4. 1 5. Discussion regarding the Tourism Commission Road Map on upcoming topics. a. Commissioner Panossian recommends having a December 11, 2024, meeting to discuss 2025 Road Map of Agenda topics only. No Speakers. i. Commissioner Mathis seconds the suggestion to meet without speakers. b. Commissioner Chappell seconds Commissioner Panossian’s recommendation to meet in December to discuss Health inspections for restaurants to be displayed for the public safety and awareness. c. Commissioner Riedie also recommends meeting in December and to invite the Black Cultural District (Six Square) d. Vice Chair Bailey suggest reviewing our Future Agenda conversation from our July 15, 2024, meeting. Also to invite Visit Austin to report an annual briefing regarding future planning for events in Austin, Marketing plan, and Budget. e. Chair Ronan seconds the idea of Visit Austin and include the City of Austin Financial Department to discuss distributions on city programs. i. Commissioner Panossian agrees to revisiting with the City of Austin Financial Department. f. Chair Ronan mentions 2025 calendar schedule. i. Commissioners agree to keep the schedule as is. ii. 2nd Wednesday of each month from 2:30pm- 4:30pm DISCUSSION …
1. SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD July 15, 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 Aileen Bazan Mike Cannatti Stefani Mathis John Riedie Bishop Chappell Ed Bailey, Vice Chair Greg Chanon District 4 (vacant) Anna Panossian Christian Tschoepe 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 June 12, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS Staff briefing from Staff Liaison, Felicia Ojeda, regarding the vacancy on the board and upcoming schedule changes for upcoming meetings and deadlines. 3. 6. 7. 8. 9. Presentation by Ben Blocker, Director of Events with C3 Events, regarding special events in Austin and their economic impact on tourism. Discussion regarding the Tourism Commission Road Map on exclusive topics Discussion of the Annual Internal Review for the Tourism Commission Board. 4. 5. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action to approve the Annual Internal Review of the Tourism Commission board. Discussion and possible action to approve the Amendment to minutes relating to the Red River District Resolution passed in April 2024 Tourism Commission Meeting. WORKING GROUPS Update from the Short-Term Rental Working Group on any new reports regarding the STRs recommendation and efforts with city council. Update from the Parks and Environment Working Group regarding the recommendation on Parks funding to city council. 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 …
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) August 14, 2024 – No Meeting September 11, 2024 – Funding Austin Tourism: City HOT Tax • Potential Speakers: City of Austin Chief Financial Officer & Economic Development Department • Potential Community Presenters: Doherty Arts Center 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 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: 20240410-007 These recommendations from the Tourism Commission identify improvements to the cultural arts funding programs that will support long-standing tourism destinations in Austin with histories of diversity, equity and inclusion. WHEREAS, City of Austin is recognized for its vibrant cultural arts scene and a diverse and creative community, with a decades-long history as the cultural and counter-cultural capital of Texas which enjoys the competing mantras of “'Keep Austin Weird” and the “Live Music Capital of the World”; and WHEREAS, on June 25, 2018, Austin City Council adopted ORDINANCE NO. 20180614-067, establishing the Tourism Commission “to provide expertise and recommendations to the city council concerning hotel occupancy tax revenue collected by the city and issues related to and that promote tourism” and to “advise the city council on … matters relating to the allocation, investment, and budgets for the hotel occupancy tax revenue”; and WHEREAS Texas Tax Code Chapter 351, Section 351.101 (a) states that “Revenue from the municipal hotel occupancy tax may be used only to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry”; and WHEREAS, Austin’s tourism industry actively uses our cultural arts and live music events to promote tourism to Austin, as readily seen from Visit Austin’s website cultural events listings, including the Red River Cultural Arts District, the Zilker Hillside Theater Productions and other longstanding groups that support professional artistic jobs, generate tourism and serve audiences of both visitors and residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s cultural arts funding grant programs have made necessary changes in recent years to address historic inequities; and WHEREAS, these changes to cultural arts funding allocations do not fully account for a range of equitable considerations, such as the diversity of the audiences who enjoy the cultural arts programs or the artists who perform in the cultural arts programs, resulting in significant disruptions to long-standing cultural institutions in our community which have a demonstrated history of positive tourism impact, as well as diverse, inclusive and equitable curatorial, hiring and audience development practices; and WHEREAS, on February 15, 2024 City Council passed a resolution directing the City Manager to investigate ways to preserve accessible, inclusive, open‐to‐the‐public events and to identify opportunities for the City to support and promote community events which are completely free and open to the public, which would include events produced by Zilker Theater Productions, Austin Shakespeare and the Red River Cultural District, …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 Austin Tourism Commission The Austin Tourism Commission mission statement is: "to provide expertise and recommendations to the city council concerning hotel occupancy tax revenue collected by the city and issues related to and that promote tourism" In the past year, the Austin Tourism Commission, has sought to establish stability as a concerted voice for tourism in the city by inviting and elevating various speakers to provide insights into the interworkings of: a. HOT tax funding, including the City of Austin and the State of Texas; b. The Tourism Public Improvement District in addressing the needs of tourism and the unhoused in Austin, including a resolution to City Council recommending HOT tax dollars used via the general fund be used to fund downtown needs for the unhoused, improving the environment for tourism downtown; c. Arts and culture funds as allocated through HOT tax funding, and the efficacy of these funds for said programs, including a unanimous resolution to City Council to fully-fund the Red River Cultural Arts District; d. The efficiency and recommendations for improvement of short-term rental regulation in Austin to aid in increasing HOT tax revenue collection, including a resolution to City Council with a series of recommendations to improve existing enforcement of unregulated short- term rentals in Austin; and e. Strategies to increase funding for parks and open space in Austin, cherished destinations that serve as tourism-drivers. Pursuant to the above, the Austin Tourism Commission has followed the intent of Austin City Council by providing its expertise and recommendations in-line with its mandate concerning hotel occupancy tax revenue and issues related to and promoting tourism. The following are the Tourism Commission's goals and objectives for the new calendar year: a. Continue discussions that aid in increasing HOT tax revenue in the City of Austin for uses pertaining to tourism-related activities, including but not limited to: Economic Development Department Cultural Arts Grants, Heritage Preservation Grants, and parks and open space uses; b. Continue to host topical meetings to engage tourism commissioners, the public, City staff, and members of the City Council, in timely and relevant topics that pertain to the HOT tax and improving tourism outcomes in Austin; c. Continue to advocate for the most efficient and cost-effective spending of HOT tax dollars for tourism aims in Austin; and d. Serve as a sounding board and …
CMT AWARDS + BLOCK PARTY 2023 - AUSTIN, TX COCA-COLA SIPS & SOUNDS SUMMER FESTIVAL 2024 - AUSTIN, TX NFL DRAFT + FAN FESTIVAL 2024 - DETROIT, MI ● $213 Million in economic impact to Detroit and surrounding region. **Visit Detroit and Detroit Sports Commission ACL FESTIVAL 2023 - AUSTIN, TX ● ○ ○ $499 Million in economic impact to Austin Equivalent of 3,766 full time jobs Over the last 19 years, ACL Music Festival’s partnership with the Austin Parks Foundation has provided more than $63 million to Austin’s public park system. The 2023 ACL Music Festival alone generated $8.1 million toward park improvements across the city. This $8.1 million is in addition to City expenses, maintenance, and restoration of Zilker Park, which are also paid annually by ACL Music Festival. ○ Thanks.
TOURISM COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 15, JULY 2024 The TOURISM COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 15, JULY 2024, at 301 w. Second St. in Austin, Texas. Chair, Daniel Ronan called the TOURISM COMMISSION Meeting to order at 2:34 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioners Ed Bailey, Greg Chanon, Bishop Chappell, Daniel Ronan, and Christian Tschoepe Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioners Mike Cannatti, Anna Panossian, and Aileen Bazan Board Members/Commissioners Absence: Commissioners Stefani Mathis and John Riedie APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the TOURISM COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on June 12, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 6/12/2024 were approved on Vice Chair Bailey’s motion and Commissioner Bishop Chappell second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Aileen Bazan, Ed Bailey, Bishop Chappell, Anna Panossian, Daniel Ronan, and Christian Tschoepe approved the vote. Commissioners Stefani Mathis and John Riedie were absent. Commissioner Mike Cannatti, and Greg Chanon was off the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Liaison, Felicia Ojeda briefed the board on the upcoming schedule changes for upcoming meetings, and vacancy for District 4. 3. 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS variety of items Ben Blocker, Director of Events with C3 Events, presented on Austin regarding special events in Austin and their economic impact on tourism. Discussion regarding the Tourism Commission Road Map on upcoming topics a. Vice Chair Bailey suggests that we consider looking into a broader span of the state and county regarding Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds. i. Commissioner Anna Panossian seconds this suggestion b. Commissioner Christian Tschoepe suggests inviting Parks and Recreation Department Representative regarding Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds. c. Commissioner Greg Chanon suggests inviting Stream Realty to discuss their downtown properties regarding economic and tourism impact. d. Commissioner Anna Panossian suggests moving forward on a December meeting. i. Commissioner Christian Tschoepe and Vice Chair Ed Bailey seconds this suggestion. ii. Chair Daniel Ronan suggests making this a planning meeting regarding the 2025 Roadmap on Agenda Topics. iii. Commissioner Bishop Chappell suggests inviting Police and Fire Department to understand their perspective on special events in the city of Austin. iv. Vice Chair Ed Bailey suggest invite city staff regarding the Convention Center expansion project and TPID including the homeless support recommendation. v. Chair Daniel Ronan seconds Vice Chair Ed Bailey’s suggestion regarding the Convention Center expansion, design process, and the economic tourism impact. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and possible action of the Annual Internal Review …
