A study commissioned by Austin Music People revealing that Austin lost 1,200 jobs in the music industry since 2010 has recently opened many people’s eyes to the plight of the musician in the Live Music Capital of the World, and Mayor Steve Adler is ready to do something about it.
At a press conference at City Hall this morning, Adler revealed a sweeping creative stimulus policy package, the Austin Music and Creative Ecosystem Omnibus Resolution, that “emphasizes preservation of existing venues and generating growth in the music and arts sector. Specifically, it lays out plans to help musicians by adding a gratuity line for performers on bar tabs and aid venues by including the “Agent of Change Principal” into the upcoming revision of Austin’s land development code, meaning whichever party changes the circumstances of a venue becomes responsible for managing their civil and community impact,” according to the Austin Chronicle.
The plan focuses on affordability issues, calls for the creation of a multi-departmental strike team to address a variety of issues, and provides timely action items by directing City Manager Marc Ott to bring a plan of action to the City Council Economic Opportunity Committee within 90 days.
