BY ELLE BENT & BEN THOMPSON
Council backs Austin cultural initiatives
City faces budget deficit; cuts ahead
“It’s important to keep the momentum going around this issue. Red River Cultural District is a critical
part of Austin’s vibrant cultural music and arts scene, [and] has a sizable role in the local economy.” ZO QADRI, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
Multiple City Council actions last month were aimed at expanding Austin’s support for the local arts, music and cultural scene. What happened After organizers announced the Blues on the Green summer concert series had been canceled in January, it was revived thanks to support from council and H-E-B in February. Two weeks later, council members voted to send a financial aid package to downtown’s Red River Cultural District after stakeholders from the entertainment strip petitioned City Hall for help. Both actions were tied to resolutions from council members Natasha Harper-Madison and Zo Qadri, respectively aimed at: • Improving Austin’s partnerships with various local cultural events
Austin faces a projected budget deficit this year, and some city programs could be at risk. The big picture City staff suggested a tighter spending plan may be needed this year due to dwindling sales tax collections. Officials will also be dealing with the end of federal relief they used for historic homeless- ness investments and other priorities. More than $188 million from the American Rescue Plan Act must be spent by the end of 2026. Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea said the county will also have to contend with the loss of “essential” services while facing the end of nearly $250 million ARPA reserves. More city budgeting updates are expected in April. Council’s annual financial planning will take place in the summer.
• Supporting the city’s multiple cultural districts What’s next Harper-Madison’s item asked city staff to find new ways for the city to support free, public cultural events and festivals throughout Austin’s arts ecosystem. In addition to calling for a Red River aid package, Qadri’s measure could lead Austin to build a new funding framework for cultural and heritage districts.
Two finalists remain in Austin city manager search City Council narrowed its search for Austin’s next city manager in March and could soon vote on a final hire. Current situation A national search led 39 candidates to apply for • T.C. Broadnax, the outgoing Dallas city manager • Sara Hensley, Denton city manager • Brian Platt, Kansas City, Missouri city manager On March 10, Platt announced his withdrawal from the process without further comment.
the top local government job in early 2024. After a closed-door March 5 discussion, City Council selected three finalists:
A public town hall with Broadnax and Hensley is scheduled for March 25, after press time. Council could make a final decision April 4.
Sarah Hensley
T.C. Broadnax
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