Visitor Impact Task Force April 25, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 5abc 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER: 3:00pm 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. From the April 11, 2017 meeting 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action related to additional information the task force needs from staff to complete the report required by council pursuant to Resolution No. 20160818-075. b. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations from initial ideas (post- it notes exercise) from each Task Force member on recommendations to deliver to City Council in future report. c. Discussion on a public engagement plan for Task Force (Larry Schooler). d. Discussion and possible action to scheduling and/or adding future meetings. 4. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. Citizens wishing to speak will need to sign up ten minutes before the meeting calls for Citizen Communications at 5:30pm. Citizen communications will be limited to the first ten speakers and each citizen communicator will be given three minutes to speak. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations on items for future agendas 6. 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 Larry Schooler at Communication and Public Information Office Department, at 512.974.6004, larry.schooler@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Visitor Impact Task Force, please …
Visitor Impact Task Force April 25, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 5abc 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 MINUTES In Attendance: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Absent: Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Staff and Others In Attendance: Mark Washington, ACM Carla Steffen, Austin Convention Center Department Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department Bill Manno, City of Austin, Austin Center for Events George Cofer, Historic/ Parks/ Preservation Joe Clemens, Capital Metro Bill Bunch, Save Our Springs Alliance Scott Joslove, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Rebecca Melancon, ABIA IBIZ Districts – Local Businesses Hill Abell, Local Business Arnold Garcia, Convention Center Staff and Others In Attendance: (con’t) Tam Hawkins Rudy Garza, Convention Center Expansion AGENDA 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 3:03pm by Chair James Russell 2. Approval of Minutes from April 11, 2017 Meeting, all voters approved minus Bill Worsham (due to absence of April 11, 2017 meeting) and the absence of Task Force Members, Ashwin Ghatalia and Skeeter Miller. 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Larry Schooler discussed how Public Participation can be visible with SpeakUpAustin.org b. Chair, James Russell discussed Resolution details. c. Larry Schooler presented the February 28, 2017 meeting initial ideas for recommendations from each Task Force members to begin discussions of recommendations to deliver to the City Council. d. The Task Force voted and approved on adding an additional meeting, May 2, 2017 to the schedule. 4. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: 5:30pm a. George Cofer, Historic/ Parks/ Preservation b. Joe Clemens, Capital Metro c. Bill Bunch, Save Our Springs Alliance d. Scott Joslove, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association e. Rebecca Melancon, ABIA IBIZ Districts – Local Businesses f. Hill Abell, Local Business g. Arnold Garcia, Convention Center h. Tam Hawkins …
The Austin CVB sources research from multiple organizations and companies.For annual Economic Impact(travel spending,taxes, etc…)we source the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Office of the Governor. The report is generated on their behalf by Dean Runyan Associates.https://travel.texas.gov/tti/media/PDFs/TXImp15pRev2_1.pdfAustin-Round Rock, TX MSA pg. 41.Dean Runyan Associates:www.deanrunyan.comDean Runyan Associates has worked for 25 years to assist with market research, planning and economic analysis for travel, tourism, recreation,and education projects. Our emphasis is on facilities and destination locations that seek economic or market information for planning, marketing, policy, evaluation and/or design. Projects range from the individual facility or event level to states and the nation.We feel that our work is an important sector of our economy and society. Our nation faces serious challenges balancing the needs of our natural areas with the imperatives of economicgrowth and job creation. Moreover, changing economic conditions and the dynamics of energy costs are particularly important to the travel and recreation industry. This turmoil notwithstanding, the recreation and tourism industry remains one of the most significant industries worldwide, and a leading growth sector in North America. Their focus is on helping travel industry businesses, attractions and destination communities that face these opportunities and challenges.Clients include-Arizona Office of Tourism, California Travel and Tourism Commission, Colorado Tourism Commission, Texas Tourism, Seattle, Sonoma, Spokane, US National Park Service.For jobs data we source the US Bureauof Labor Statistics.https://www.bls.gov/Domestic visitationdata (including profile, volume, etc..) is again sourced from the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Office of the Governor. The research is generated on their behalf byD.K. Shifflet & Associates, Ltd. https://travel.texas.gov/tti/media/PDFs/2015-Hill-Country-Region_2.pdf-Austin-Round Rock TX MSA data begins on pg. 15and Methodology pg. 29DK Shifflet:www.dkshifflet.comDK Shiffletboasts the industry’smost complete databaseon U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. We collect data monthly from a U.S. representative sample adding over 60,000 traveling households annually. We’re dedicated to providing the highest-quality travel and traveler research. And have been since 1982.Clients include-Visit California, Delaware, Visit Florida, Georgia, Hawai'i Tourism Authority, Texas Tourism, Atlanta, Choose Chicago, Cleveland, Durham, NC, Los Angeles, Best Western, San Antonio, New Orleans.International visitationis sourced from several organizations and companies. Oxford Economics Global City Travel Report,the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Office of the Governor, SMARI, and U.S. Departmentof Commerce, Stats Canada.https://travel.texas.gov/tti/media/PDFs/Texas-2015-Overseas-Visitors-to-Texas-Report-(11-2-2016)_1.pdfDatafor both reports is compiled partially from theU.S. Departmentof Commerce Office of Travel and Tourismreportshttp://tinet.ita.doc.gov/outreachpages/inbound.general_information.inbound_overview.htmlTravel Market Insights:travelmi.comTravel Market Insights services, partners with, and represents U.S. destinations and business, …
From:Karen CannattiTo:Ojeda, FeliciaCc:Schooler, LarrySubject:letter for Visitor Impact Task ForceDate:Wednesday, April 19, 2017 4:41:10 PMAttachments:winmail.datDear Visitor Impact Task Force Members:On several occasions, Mayfield Park has been recipient of funds fromthe Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) for preservation ofits house and grounds. We are quite grateful for this, as it hasaided us in maintaining this historic asset, which is a delight forvisitors from all over the world as well as for a great many Austinresidents.The funding has been allocated from Austin's Hotel Occupancy Tax(HOT), as allowed by State law. The law allows up to 15% of HOTrevenues to be allocated to historic preservation, but we are awarethat only a tiny portion of this potential allocation has been usedcity-wide to this end.Austin is rich with historic lands, structures, and traditions, all ofwhich contribute to the City's attraction of visitors, and all ofwhich require significant expense to maintain. Austin's parks aloneare home to many of these assets: Zilker Park with Barton SpringsPool, the Sunken Garden, and Eliza Springs; the Norwood residence;Hancock and Lions Golf Courses, the four original downtown parks;among many others. Many other very special assets are in private orState hands. All contribute greatly to Austin's tourism economy andare visited by millions annually. Yet many of these precious assetsare falling into decay for lack of adequate maintenance funding. Someare being allowed to deteriorate to ruin.Why, then, when the law endorses such significant expenditures fromthe HOT tax, should the City not allocate the full 15% annually to thethings that define Austin's heritage and make Austin an especiallyattractive place, both to tourists and residents?As you consider how Austin can best utilize its HOT tax revenues,please recognize that Austin's historic legacy is a major contributorto Austin's tourism industry, and that it contributes to the culturalrichness not only to visitors' experiences but to the lives of its owncitizens. Please fund preserving this legacy to the full extent thatthe law allows.Karen CannattiPresident -- Friends of the Parks of Austin, a 501(c)(3) non-profitserving Austin's parks since 1985
Larry Akersletter to Visitor Impact Task Force regarding Palmer Events Center Monday, April 24, 2017 1:58:57 PMFelicia,Please forward this letter and the attached document to all the members ofthe VITF. Thanks.Larry--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear VITF members:This is a request that the VITF recommend replace the current subsidyof the operations and maintenance fund for the Palmer Events Center (PEC)via its venue project's car rental tax with funding from the HotalOccupancy Tax (HOT).-- Historic funding for Palmer Auditorium: HOT tax-- Current funding for PEC: venue-associated car rental tax-- Recommended funding: HOT taxThe case for doing so is as follows.Civic events facilities almost never finance their operations solelyfrom event revenues. Prior to the opening of the Palmer Events Center(PEC), the old Palmer Auditorium had its operating deficit covered bythe City's hotel occupancy tax. All participants in the publicprocess that created the Town Lake Community Events Center Venue Project,which included the new PEC, presumed the historical modus operandiwould continue.Voters authorized the capital improvements in the project -- the PEC,its parking garage, and the re-development of the parkland now knownas Butler Park and Auditorium Shores -- to be financed through a newtax on local car rentals. This authorization did not include use ofthe car rental tax to finance PEC operations. The stakeholders whoformulated and directed the project in its initial years neverconsidered that the tax would finance operations. The financial plan for the project formulated by Assistant City ManagerJim Smith specified car rental tax revenues being used solely to financeconstruction of the PEC, garage, and the park. The project's outlays forpark construction would not have been viable otherwise.Nevertheless, in secret sessions that were not disclosed to projectstakeholders until almost four years later and that were not discussedeven with City Council until three years later, bond covenants were developed that overturned this fiscal approach. A "waterfall" schemefor disbursal of car rental tax revenues specified that a fund foroperating the PEC would received priority funding, and park constructionwould get only the leftovers. This expenditure was specificallynot authorized by the vote that created the tax.The proof that this expenditure undermined the financial plan for thepark and venue development came when the development of Butler Park(Phase II of the park developement) was postponed for three years andthe development of Phases III and IV (the western and eastern portionsof Auditorium Shores Park, which were part of the venue) was removedcompletely from the financial forecast for the venue. The Butler Parkdelay initially cost nearly …
Only Consider Recommendations that fall within the Law (or another Law). Don’t waste time on things that can’t happenRecommend staff compilation of cultural assets of marketingFund Palmer as promisedChange over-site of Historical/ Heritage Grants define Natural or CulturalUse money for expansion toward Historical/ Heritage grantsMaintain process for funding for Arts & Music thru Cultural Arts/EDDCultural Arts-Reorganize grants to include use by organizations that do not have to have sponsor but would include strict guidelines: Art & MusicVisitor Impact Task Force Members AdditionalRecommendations -April 25, 2017 Meeting-Establish clear quantitative and qualitative measurements to evaluate proposed uses and prior uses of HOT funds. (beyond how many hotels rooms were sold or how many conventions were booked) for all recipientsIdentify non-HOT- paid tourism costs now borne by other local tax sourcesUse all money available to support Heritage/ Historical grantsPay off Convention Center without ExpansionCultural Arts-A percentage of funds already received to be used for community outreach & education as to grants available Recommend COA continue to fund analysis of creative industry with HOT to include impact on tourism economySupport thru HOT tax to Districts, Festivals, tourism, grants, etc...Partially fund public services for COA co-sponsored events with HOTExpand ACC (2B)Fund ACVB at 1.45Fund ARTS fullyFind uses for remaining waterfall...Parks/ Heritage Music IndustryClarify M&O cost to PalmerInclude Palmer on HOTMore Convention use without enlarging facilityConsider existing (example Austin American Statesman) as expansion without more Big BoxPursue option 2B of Convention Center expansion financing concept. Additional funding generated after convention center obligations split between Historical Preservations & Music IndustryRecommend form/ plan for expansionCitywide funds not just DowntownMake sure the East Side is not ForgottenConsider the geographic makeup of revenue & expendituresBe sure there is a diversity/ equity lens to consider grant requests.Allocate funding to address safety and “walk ability” issues in the Red River District and ARCR center to encourage and enhance the growth of tourism in this districtSupport Local Business Districts through tourism. Financially through HOT tax or Grants through Hot taxConsider support of AIBA (Austin Independent Business Alliance)Local & Small Businesses that serve visitors (Restaurants, Shops, Clubs, Venues, Etc...)Allow heritage money to be used on interiors as well as exteriorsDistribution of funds to beneficiaries s/h all have same information required in requestsDeciders of Grants should have connection to City. Not Separate OrganizationExpand Visitor data being collected to determine types of sites attracting visitors or what they see when visitingFor Example:• Historical Sites• Cultural Sites/ …
Austin Convention Center Department Responses to VITF Questions related to April 11, 2017 Financial Presentation 1 | Page VITF Member Questions: 1) Page 12 shows combined operating Revenue (Convention center and PEC) to be $33.2M, on pages 16 and 17 it would be $22M for convention center + $15M for PEC + $37M for 2015‐2016 Need to understand the difference ACCD Response: The amounts on slides 16 and 17, of $22M for ACC and only $15k (thousand, not million) for Palmer Events Center (PEC), are amounts budgeted in those funds at the beginning of the fiscal year (FY). The majority of PEC revenue is actually budgeted in a separate fund (the Convention Center Palmer Events Center Revenue Fund) and transferred into the PEC operating fund depicted on slide 17 (included in the $8M on the “Transfers In” line). The amounts on slide 12 represent the accounting revenue as of the end of FY16. The final amounts for FY16 will not appear in the budget document until FY18 due to the timing differences. The FY18 Proposed Budget will be posted online in August 2017. The actual amounts that will appear in the FY18 budget documents for FY16 “actuals” will be $26,914,974 for ACC and $4,129,932 for PEC Operating, totaling $31,044,906. This is still different from what was reported on slide 12 as ACCD’s accounting revenue of $33,221,000, in part, because of the differences in the basis of reporting: budget‐basis (on slides 16 & 17) versus accounting‐basis (on slide 12). Slide 12: Slide 16: Austin Convention Center Department Responses to VITF Questions related to April 11, 2017 Financial Presentation 2 | Page Slide 17: Amounts that will be reported in FY18 budget documents: 2) On page 16 the ending balance for one year and starting balance for next year is same for some years but not for other years for convention center however on page 17 the PEC data is consistent. Need explanation ACCD Response: There are actually 2 columns on slides 16 and 17 for FY16 – one “Estimated” column and one “Amended” column. The “Amended” column represents the amounts that were approved by Council the previous September 2015, before the previous year (FY15) was even over. Austin Convention Center Department Responses to VITF Questions related to April 11, 2017 Financial Presentation 3 | Page Therefore, the actual beginning balance used at that point is only an estimate and will change …
