Austin Dmo Inc

Research and Strategic Communication:The Downtown Austin Alliance's research team conducts primary research on downtown-related issues and also compiles and analyzes third-party research. Our website is a central repository for data on economic development, real estate, mobility trends and more. This information enables members of our team and the downtown community to make data-driven decisions as we work together to shape our future. We published our 2024 State of Downtown Report, which uses market data to give a comprehensive account of downtown's economic impact, health and vitality. The report also celebrates critical milestones as downtown achieves its vision. Completed quarterly market research reports and emerging projects reports, and completed 2023 storeforont retail business reports. Planned and hosted 5 Issues & Eggs events open to the public, each with between 50-250 attendees: Homelessness in Austin (September 2023), Project Connect (November 2023), Mental Health Diversion Center and Travis County District AttorneyCandidate Forum (both in February 2024), and Attainable Housing (April 2024). Distributed 38 newsletters to 10,000+ subscribers with 41% average open rate. Marketing and Communication efforts resulted in 54.9K total social media followers, 53.5M media impressions and 93,000+ website visitors Planned and hosted Annual Future of Downtown Event with State of Downtown , Annual Report, Vision Awards and Strategic Plan release with 370 attendees.

Planing and Urban Mobility: Completed comprehensive mapping and inventory of downtown's tree canopy and summarized key findings for advancement. Engaged downtown stakeholders on a number of city/partner initiatives for downtown, including the Palm District Plan, Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative and Project Connect. Created a work group consisting of Red River Cultural District, E6th Street PID and DAA and identified shared goals and actions for advancement. Hosted a workshop to educated on the use of historic tax credits with 25 owners of historic buildings in partnership with Preservation Austin. Our five years strategic plan outlines several objective in these areas: cultivating a more diverse, attainable residential mix; decreasing the number of people living unsheltered downtown by 75%; supporting a variety of affordable venues and creative spaces; and ensuring parks and public spaces are well-managed with inclusive programming. We advocate for the preservation of live musice venues and in 2023 continued our $60,000 annual sponsorship of the Red River Cultural District. To further support the district, we pledged $50,000 in in-kind maintenance work from our ambassador team. Created and engaged downtown Task Force to help review, advise and communicated recommendations for downtown's Project Connect Alignment, resulting in Woodridge Square station being added as a design option. Worked with the City of Austin to secure a $105M USDOT grant to help fund caps over I-35 from Cesar Chaves to 4th Street. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is planning to reconstruct I-35 through Central Austin as part of the I-35 Capital Express Central Project. Initial plans for the first significant upgrade in 50 years to this approximately 10-mile stretch called for removing the upper decks and lowering the highway between Airport Boulevard and Cesar Chavez Street. As TxDOT considers changes to this major north-south thoroughfare that has divided our community for decades, the Downtown Austin Alliance and the City of Austin have partnered with a diverse group of Austin leaders to co-create a shared vision that builds on this investment to ensure the best outcomes for all Austinites. By transforming I-35 through the heart of our city, we can invest in our community, improve all forms of transportation and create community parks, bridges and other amenities where the highway stands now. The Downtown Austin Alliance is committed to playing an active role in addressing affordability challenges ove the next five years.

Parks and Public Space Activation, and Homelessness: Completed successful Holiday Stroll and tree lighting event (December 2023) with over 10,000 attendees, including an additional family friendly alley activation with 5,000+ participants. Provided regulart horticulture, operation and maintenances and security at Republic Square, including park ambassador services, tree trimming and pruning, root invigoration, new mulch beds, and seasonal planting; and an ovenight security program. Expanded partnership with Mexi-Arte including increased cultural programming and education at Republic Square and targeted efforts (block canvassing and 2 open house events) to engage the buisness community in the creation of a Cultural Heritage District. Supported the Red River Cultural District financially through sponsorship of two signiture events: Hot Summer Nights and Free Week. Provided regular Downtown Ambassador team with clean, safe and hospitality services in Waterloo Park from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm seven days per week. Launched HEART (Homelessness Engagement Assistance Response Team) pilot to run through July 2024. Provided annual contribution of $200K towards a $2M/10 year pledge to Mobile Loaves & Fishes Community First Village, which currently houses over 360 formerly chronic homelss community members. Conducted 4 quarterly unsheltered homeless counts that showed a 6% reduction in the fiscal year (467 to 440).