Council to consider $23M increase for Austin cultural grant administration

Austin is considering adding $23 million to The Long Center’s contract to administer hotel occupancy tax-funded cultural grants, bringing the five-year contract ceiling to $123 million. The funding would support grant awards and administrative costs for the Austin Live Music Fund, Cultural Arts Fund and Heritage Preservation Grant programs, with more than 750 recipients expected this fiscal year. Council is scheduled to act on Nov. 19, 2026.

Authorize an amendment to a contract for continued third party administration of the City’s hotel occupancy tax-funded cultural grant programs for Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment with Greater Austin Performing Arts Center Inc. d/b/a The Long Center for the Performing Arts, to increase the amount by $23,000,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $123,000,000. Funding: $23,000,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget of Austin Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment.

Nov 19, 202626-3112: Authorize an amendment to a contract for continued third party administration of the City’s hotel occupancy tax-funded cultural grant programs for Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment with Greater Austin Performing Arts Center Inc. d/b/a The Long Center for the Performing Arts, to increase the amount by $23,000,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $123,000,000. Funding: $23,000,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget of Austin Arts, CultuSource documentPDF