Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for the Economic Development Department with Six Square - Austin’s Black Cultural District to provide organizational stability, marketing/branding, heritage/cultural preservation, artistic and cultural productions, and economic development programming and activities in the African American Cultural Heritage District for a one-year term in an amount not to exceed $300,000, with four additional one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $300,000 per extension option, for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,500,000. Funding: $300,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Economic Development Operating Budget. Funding for the remaining extension options is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
De
Lead Department
Economic Development.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $300,000 is available from Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 Operational Budget of Economic Development Department. Funding for the remaining extension options is contingent upon available funding in the Economic Development Department future budgets.
Prior Council Action:
December 13, 2007 - Council approved Resolution No. 20071213-058, which established the African American Cultural Heritage District.
February 4, 2016 - Council authorized a twelve-month contract with two twelve-month extensions.
January 31, 2019 - Council authorized a twelve-month contract with two twelve-month extensions.
November 18, 2021 - Council authorized a twelve-month contract with two twelve-month extensions.
For More Information:
Anthony Segura, Interim Director, Economic Development Department, 512-974-3187; Matthew Schmidt, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager, 512-974-6145.
Additional Backup Information:
This proposed action authorizes funding of a service management contract with Six Square - Austin’s Black Cultural District, a 501(c)(3) organization, for economic development programs and services to the African American Cultural Heritage District. The recommendation for funding for this contract was originally initiated and approved by the City Council during the FY 2016 budget process. Six Square’s mission is to preserve and celebrate the cultural legacy of the African American community that once thrived in Central East Austin through cultural arts, education, economic development, and historic preservation.
Austin’s African American Cultural Heritage District was declared as such by the State of Texas on September 3, 2009. The district boundaries, set by City Council in 2007, comprise approximately six square miles of central east Austin. The district is home to numerous sites of national, regional, and local historic significance and celebrates African Americans and others who played important roles in creating the vibrancy of Austin.
The Economic Development Department seeks to contract with the Six Square - Austin’s Black Cultural District to expand the prosperity of the district to support:
1. Organizational Sustainability. The management entity will ensure long-term viability through sound financial planning, diverse funding streams, and robust governance structures that support adaptive growth. This sustainability will enable the entity to serve the district effectively while maintaining operational stability.
2. Marketing/Branding. The management entity will promote the district’s unique cultural identity through strategic marketing and branding efforts that elevate the district’s profile locally, regionally, and nationally. These efforts will highlight the district's assets and attract visitors, artists, and investors.
3. Heritage/Cultural Preservation. The management entity will protect and celebrate the district’s cultural heritage through initiatives that preserve historic landmarks, local traditions, and cultural practices. Efforts will ensure the district’s rich history is sustained for future generations.
4. Artistic/Cultural Productions. The management entity will foster and promote artistic and cultural productions, providing platforms for local and emerging artists while expanding the district’s cultural offerings. These productions will enhance the district’s role as a hub of creative activity.
5. Economic Development. The management entity will contribute to the district’s economic growth by supporting local businesses, attracting new investments, and creating opportunities for cultural tourism. These efforts will strengthen the district's economic base while enhancing its cultural vibrancy.
6. Leveraging, Sponsorships, and Partners. The management entity will build and maintain strong partnerships with public, private, and nonprofit organizations to leverage resources and secure sponsorships that advance the district's strategic goals. Collaborative efforts will maximize impact and broaden the district’s reach.