BY ELLE BENT & BEN THOMPSON
Council backs Austin cultural initiatives
Two remain in Austin city manager search City Council narrowed its search for Austin’s next city manager in March. Current situation A national search led 39 candidates to apply for the top local government job in early 2024. After a closed-door March 5 discussion, City Council selected three finalists with city manager experience:
“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
• 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 pack- age, Qadri’s measure could lead Austin to build a new funding framework for cultural and heritage districts, according to the resolution.
• T.C. Broadnax of Dallas • Sara Hensley of Denton
• Brian Platt of Kansas City, Missouri Platt announced his withdrawal from Austin’s selection process March 10. A public town hall with Broadnax and Hensley is scheduled for March 25, after press time. Council could make a final decision April 4.
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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