Convention Center Expansion Updates - Page 15

Novacek · #**281** Posted **Aug 6, 2019, 2:15 PM**

The HOT increase (from 7% to 9%) is now up for the next council meeting (8/8).

http://www.austintexas.gov/department/city-council/2019/20190808-reg.htm
item 148.

I guess they want to get ahead of the petition and/or Travis County.

We vs us · #**282** Posted **Aug 6, 2019, 3:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Novacek

The HOT increase (from 7% to 9%) is now up for the next council meeting (8/8).

http://www.austintexas.gov/department/city-council/2019/20190808-reg.htm
item 148.

I guess they want to get ahead of the petition and/or Travis County.

One of our executive team members made some interesting recent comments along this line -- he said that essentially the city is going great guns on CC planning, and their (city council's) general assumption is that a November referendum won't/can't derail the train. There's even some talk of coordinating the opening of the new Red Line station with a CC groundbreaking. After thinking about it, I'm not sure those timelines match up, but I took it as a strong indication that the city is putting some grander plans in place than maybe we're publicly seeing.

freerover · #**283** Posted **Aug 6, 2019, 4:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Novacek

The HOT increase (from 7% to 9%) is now up for the next council meeting (8/8).

http://www.austintexas.gov/department/city-council/2019/20190808-reg.htm
item 148.

I guess they want to get ahead of the petition and/or Travis County.

urbancore · #**284** Posted **Aug 6, 2019, 5:30 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by freerover

Done....thanks freeebie

freerover · #**285** Posted **Aug 9, 2019, 8:05 PM**

Council approved raising hotel tax and putting ballot language for November election. Vote no.

urbancore · #**286** Posted **Aug 9, 2019, 9:09 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by freerover

Council approved raising hotel tax and putting ballot language for November election. Vote no.

No=convention center expansion, correct?

I know council loves to play loose with yes/no language.

H2O · #**287** Posted **Aug 10, 2019, 12:38 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by freerover

Council approved raising hotel tax and putting ballot language for November election. Vote no.

Tell all your friends to vote no on both Convention Center and Sports and Entertainment (anti-soccer) petitions to send a clear message to the petitioners to stop wasting our time and money holding these ridiculous anti-development petition elections.

We vs us · #**288** Posted **Aug 12, 2019, 8:25 PM**

State of the industry data point, from Smith Travel Report (STR) 2019 DestinationMAP report:

Quote:

HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—New York, Chicago and Las Vegas are the top North American markets that meeting planners intend to use in the next two years, according to STR‘s 2019 DestinationMAP (Meeting Assessment Program).

DestinationMAP is a comprehensive study of meeting planners and the meetings market in North America. Now in its 18th edition, the report surveys meeting planners’ preferences and their perceptions of 42 North American markets.

Following New York (23%), Chicago (22%) and Las Vegas (20%), the other most common destinations that meeting planners look to use in the next two years are Orlando (19%) Washington D.C. (19%).

“All five markets are particularly popular in what we define as the largest meeting size segment (1,000+ attendees) along with Atlanta, Dallas and Austin,” said Chris Klauda, STR’s senior director, market insights. “New to the list of 42 markets evaluated is Puerto Rico. While not in the list of top destinations, a notable 4% of the 1,000 meeting planners surveyed plan to hold a meeting in Puerto Rico in the next two years.”

http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles/297539/STR-Top-meeting-locations-in-North-America

We're punching CRAZY FAR above our weight when talking about convention business in the US domestic market. NYC, Chicago, Vegas, Orlando, DC, Atlanta and Dallas are all premier destinations for the largest events. That we're included in that list is kind of stunning.

the Genral · #**289** Posted **Aug 13, 2019, 12:35 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by We vs us

State of the industry data point, from Smith Travel Report (STR) 2019 DestinationMAP report:

http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles/297539/STR-Top-meeting-locations-in-North-America

We're punching CRAZY FAR above our weight when talking about convention business in the US domestic market. NYC, Chicago, Vegas, Orlando, DC, Atlanta and Dallas are all premier destinations for the largest events. That we're included in that list is kind of stunning.

I was thinking the same thing. The top 5 are obvious and to be so close to that list is simply big time. I am surprised none of California's big cities are mentioned or ahead of Austin. I've lived here since '81 and know how great Austin is, but for some reason I still don't see why Austin is so popular as a tourist or convention attraction. For my limited attention span, there's not enough attractions to make me want to visit if I didn't live here. That's kind of weird and ironic I guess, I would live here but I wouldn't visit here if I didn't. Apparently its a good thing the rest of the world doesn't think like me.

paul78701 · #**290** Posted **Aug 13, 2019, 1:17 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Genral

I was thinking the same thing. The top 5 are obvious and to be so close to that list is simply big time. I am surprised none of California's big cities are mentioned or ahead of Austin. I've lived here since '81 and know how great Austin is, but for some reason I still don't see why Austin is so popular as a tourist or convention attraction. For my limited attention span, there's not enough attractions to make me want to visit if I didn't live here. That's kind of weird and ironic I guess, I would live here but I wouldn't visit here if I didn't. Apparently its a good thing the rest of the world doesn't think like me.

The night time entertainment options around Austin's convention center are second to none. The amount of and density of restaurants, bars, live music, or what have you is a big draw to a lot of convention goers. After being at a convention all day, many want things to do. In Austin, those things are just steps away from the convention center.

Plus, being about halfway between both coasts doesn't hurt. Austin is relatively easy to get to despite not having a big airline hub.

aschwab · #**291** Posted **Aug 13, 2019, 10:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Genral

I was thinking the same thing. The top 5 are obvious and to be so close to that list is simply big time. I am surprised none of California's big cities are mentioned or ahead of Austin. I've lived here since '81 and know how great Austin is, but for some reason I still don't see why Austin is so popular as a tourist or convention attraction. For my limited attention span, there's not enough attractions to make me want to visit if I didn't live here. That's kind of weird and ironic I guess, I would live here but I wouldn't visit here if I didn't. Apparently its a good thing the rest of the world doesn't think like me.

If you are a company, would you rather be paying for a hotel in Austin or San Fran? I would think that has to factor in.

urbancore · #**292** Posted **Aug 14, 2019, 12:29 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by aschwab

If you are a company, would you rather be paying for a hotel in Austin or San Fran? I would think that has to factor in.

I worked as a bartender at the 4 Seasons-Austin for 7 years (1989-1996). I saw maybe a 1000 conventioneers sit at my bar.

People love this town. Conventioneers are tired of the same ole cities.....they love something new. Conventions that have skipped over Austin due to lack of accommodations, have probably (i would guess) heard from their attendees that they WANT to come to Austin.

People came into my bar....skipping and jumping to go out and see/hear the night life. They would return for a night cap and tell me all about how they loved the bar scene. I often heard is was akin to Bourbon St, without the threat of violence, nudity and debauchery....which to an extent....I get.

I don't recall ONE person bitch about anything.....other than me cutting them off, which was to be expected.

Rock stars, movie stars, CEO's, average people, bougie people....you name it. People love this town.

I think a bigger convention center will obviously attract bigger conventions which will WOW bigger crowds. Our town is amazing. On ANY given night there is legit, authentic music being played within 1/2 mile of the convention center. Not to mention cover band joints, cocktail bars, etc.

The pulse of this town is the YOUNG people. Good economy, bad economy, young people (especially the good looking ones-if I'm honest) want to party and have a good time. They fill the streets with an optimism lacking in many towns. Often times that "$1 shot" optimism ends up on their shoes at the end of the night, but you know what I mean.

Austin is optimistic, sure it doesn't work out for many. But each year thousands of young adults flood the city for school or work...stars in their eyes, and it sets the tone in our fair city. Look to Pride 2019, Austin has always hosted Splash Weekend twice each summer (as long as I can remember).....always filled with optimism. Makes me proud to be an Austinite, and I'm straight. I do miss working with all my gay friends at the hotel....man they have a way of cutting through the bullshit.

And sure the NIMBYS run the town, but they are completely removed from the vibe on the street. The young people are OBLIVIOUS to how the city "RUNS". Young people just want to get laid and make plans to take over...you know...."optimism". I'd like to think we were all that way at some point, I know I was.

I've been apart of the music scene in one form or another since 1987, mostly as a fan, and I will attest that Austin STILL has the same cool vibe it did back when I watched Soul Hat, Little Sister, Joe Rockhead, and countless others....it really does. Anyone who says otherwise is FULL OF SHIT, and does not support the music scene, or just a snobby jerk. And don't get me started about the food/bar scene, Austin's food/bar scene didn't exist in 1987.....like.... not at all. Mezzaluna was the first popular restaurant in the downtown and it helped turn the warehouse district (along with Cedar Door) into something more than just the dance bars....man did we have fun at those joints.

Hell yeah they want to come to Austin, they are tired of San Fran, Vegas, NYC, Miami, Atlanta. Austin is new to many, and we will WOW them. You'll see. in the words of Moe "spread out".... cuz they're coming. I for one welcome the conventioneers, I hope you do too.

Austin is the Capitol of Texas. All capitols should welcome all people.

the Genral · #**293** Posted **Aug 14, 2019, 1:28 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by urbancore

I worked as a bartender at the 4 Seasons-Austin for 7 years (1989-1996). I saw maybe a 1000 conventioneers sit at my bar.

People love this town. Conventioneers are tired of the same ole cities.....they love something new. Conventions that have skipped over Austin due to lack of accommodations, have probably (i would guess) heard from their attendees that they WANT to come to Austin.

People came into my bar....skipping and jumping to go out and see/hear the night life. They would return for a night cap and tell me all about how they loved the bar scene. I often heard is was akin to Bourbon St, without the threat of violence, nudity and debauchery....which to an extent....I get.

I don't recall ONE person bitch about anything.....other than me cutting them off, which was to be expected.

Rock stars, movie stars, CEO's, average people, bougie people....you name it. People love this town.

I think a bigger convention center will obviously attract bigger conventions which will WOW bigger crowds. Our town is amazing. On ANY given night there is legit, authentic music being played within 1/2 mile of the convention center. Not to mention cover band joints, cocktail bars, etc.

The pulse of this town is the YOUNG people. Good economy, bad economy, young people (especially the good looking ones-if I'm honest) want to party and have a good time. They fill the streets with an optimism lacking in many towns. Often times that "$1 shot" optimism ends up on their shoes at the end of the night, but you know what I mean.

Austin is optimistic, sure it doesn't work out for many. But each year thousands of young adults flood the city for school or work...stars in their eyes, and it sets the tone in our fair city. Look to Pride 2019, Austin has always hosted Splash Weekend twice each summer (as long as I can remember).....always filled with optimism. Makes me proud to be an Austinite, and I'm straight. I do miss working with all my gay friends at the hotel....man they have a way of cutting through the bullshit.

And sure the NIMBYS run the town, but they are completely removed from the vibe on the street. The young people are OBLIVIOUS to how the city "RUNS". Young people just want to get laid and make plans to take over...you know...."optimism". I'd like to think we were all that way at some point, I know I was.

I've been apart of the music scene in one form or another since 1987, mostly as a fan, and I will attest that Austin STILL has the same cool vibe it did back when I watched Soul Hat, Little Sister, Joe Rockhead, and countless others....it really does. Anyone who says otherwise is FULL OF SHIT, and does not support the music scene, or just a snobby jerk. And don't get me started about the food/bar scene, Austin's food/bar scene didn't exist in 1987.....like.... not at all. Mezzaluna was the first popular restaurant in the downtown and it helped turn the warehouse district (along with Cedar Door) into something more than just the dance bars....man did we have fun at those joints.

Hell yeah they want to come to Austin, they are tired of San Fran, Vegas, NYC, Miami, Atlanta. Austin is new to many, and we will WOW them. You'll see. in the words of Moe "spread out".... cuz they're coming. I for one welcome the conventioneers, I hope you do too.

Austin is the Capitol of Texas. All capitols should welcome all people.

Actually, its a really good post. I absolutely get what you are saying and appreciate the enlightenment. When I left town on business, those were the things I looked for. But that was years ago and I'm not the partier I used to be. I did document a night time road trip back in June in this forum and I guess I forgot how awesome this town is and how attractive it would be...to a mostly younger crowd and progressive businesses and clubs. But I'm not sure the Church of Latter Day Saints would be inclined to hold a convention here based on our most popular itinerary.

We vs us · #**294** Posted **Aug 14, 2019, 2:04 PM**

That's a great comment, Urbancore. Thanks for posting.

There's no way we can compete with those marquee convention destinations for the biggest shows -- but it's an excellent gauge of the level of interest from the convention industry as a whole.

Even if we accept that the industry as a whole is flat or shrinking -- as Heywood Sanders likes to claim -- Austin should clearly STILL jump at the chance to grab a larger piece of the pie. It's clear there's a huge amount of business out there that's Austin's for the taking. We just have to build the infrastructure to take advantage of it.

AusTxDevelopment · #**295** Posted **Aug 15, 2019, 3:53 PM**

Unconventional Austin is unhappy with City of Austin's ballot language for their cause. Each side is accusing the other of confusing the issue in the ballot language.

Convention center opponents challenge city’s language on ballot measure
https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/20...llenge-citys-language-on-ballot-measure/

Quote:

The Tuesday filing by Nelson Linder was prepared by attorney Fred Lewis, who is also a member of the Unconventional Austin political action committee that gathered the petition signatures triggering the ballot question. The filing argues that the ballot language differs from the petition language in two distinct areas: in stating the city would have to pay for any election to decide on an expansion of the convention center; and omitting language stating that Hotel Occupancy Tax funds not used by the convention center would be directed to support cultural tourism.

Quote:

Mayor Steve Adler, who has spent more than two years pushing for a recent Council-supported plan to spend $1.2 million in hotel tax revenue to expand the convention center, said portions of the petitioners’ language seemed to purposely confuse voters over how hotel tax money can be used. State law calls for that money to be used for convention center projects and expenses, cultural arts, historic preservation, and programs to support cultural tourism.

freerover · #**296** Posted **Aug 15, 2019, 5:00 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by AusTxDevelopment

Unconventional Austin is unhappy with City of Austin's ballot language for their cause. Each side is accusing the other of confusing the issue in the ballot language.

Convention center opponents challenge city’s language on ballot measure
https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/20...llenge-citys-language-on-ballot-measure/

The city committed that part because it's illegal.

The ATX · #**297** Posted **Aug 16, 2019, 10:57 PM**

Jesus. I didn't know the NAACP had a problem with the CC expansion. But they already filed another lawsuit after this rejection.

Texas Supreme Court rejects suit over Convention Center ballot language

The Texas Supreme Court has rejected a suit seeking the court’s intervention in a dispute over ballot language the Austin City Council approved for an Austin Convention Center voter proposition.

Local NAACP President Nelson Linder sued the city Tuesday over the ballot language the council approved last week on what is now known as Proposition B, a petition-initiated ordinance calling for elections on any substantial expansion to the convention center and a redistribution of millions of dollars of hotel taxes from the facility to the cultural arts.

On Thursday, the state Supreme Court notified Linder’s attorney Fred Lewis the court had rejected their suit, dismissing it without prejudice, according to an order from the court.

In an email, Lewis said it was unclear why the court rejected the suit. He refiled the suit Friday with the 3rd Court of Appeals.

“They may have been saying ‘follow normal process and go to the Court of Appeals first,’” Lewis said. “So we filed with the 3rd Court of Appeals (in Austin) this morning.”

The clock is ticking on Linder’s attempt to overturn the council’s approved ballot language for Prop B, which omitted any mention of reallocating hotel tax dollars to the cultural arts as opposed to the convention center. The Travis County clerk’s office will begin printing ballots for November’s election on Sept. 5.

freerover · #**298** Posted **Aug 16, 2019, 11:24 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by The ATX

Jesus. I didn't know the NAACP had a problem with the CC expansion. But they already filed another lawsuit after this rejection.

Texas Supreme Court rejects suit over Convention Center ballot language

The Texas Supreme Court has rejected a suit seeking the court’s intervention in a dispute over ballot language the Austin City Council approved for an Austin Convention Center voter proposition.

Local NAACP President Nelson Linder sued the city Tuesday over the ballot language the council approved last week on what is now known as Proposition B, a petition-initiated ordinance calling for elections on any substantial expansion to the convention center and a redistribution of millions of dollars of hotel taxes from the facility to the cultural arts.

On Thursday, the state Supreme Court notified Linder’s attorney Fred Lewis the court had rejected their suit, dismissing it without prejudice, according to an order from the court.

In an email, Lewis said it was unclear why the court rejected the suit. He refiled the suit Friday with the 3rd Court of Appeals.

“They may have been saying ‘follow normal process and go to the Court of Appeals first,’” Lewis said. “So we filed with the 3rd Court of Appeals (in Austin) this morning.”

The clock is ticking on Linder’s attempt to overturn the council’s approved ballot language for Prop B, which omitted any mention of reallocating hotel tax dollars to the cultural arts as opposed to the convention center. The Travis County clerk’s office will begin printing ballots for November’s election on Sept. 5.

It's not the NAACP. It's just their leader posing as the face but this is all Fred Lewis. It looks like the Texas Supreme Court dismissed without prejudice so basically it was too early for them to look at it and to go to a normal appeals court.

freerover · #**299** Posted **Aug 22, 2019, 10:51 PM**

Appeals court rules against Austin in ballot fight

Quote:

The Third Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that the Austin City Council must rewrite ballot language for Proposition B, the petition ordinance that could reallocate millions of dollars from the Austin Convention Center.

The court ruled in favor of local NAACP president Nelson Linder, who sued the city over ballot language the Austin City Council approved in the early morning hours of Aug. 9.

In the ruling, the court ordered the city to write new ballot language, deleting any reference to the cost of future elections and adding information to indicate Proposition B would reallocate a large swath of hotel property tax revenue to cultural arts, historic preservation, and “Austin’s Cultural Tourism Industry,” the ruling said.

I assume the court will say that the legality of an item should be worked out after the election. So even though the city can't legally devote more hotel tax money to the arts, worry about it after the vote.

MichaelB · #**300** Posted **Aug 26, 2019, 8:30 PM**

"Unconventional Austin" has a "survey" on FB. I started to do it just to see what it said. OY... so slanted. I stopped... And kinda called the BULL in a post.
Seems I've been blocked ! LOL!