Posting Language
Title
Approve a resolution amending the bylaws of the Austin Economic Development Corporation d/b/a Rally Austin to revise nominating bodies and appointees for the Board of Directors. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact.
De
Lead Department
Management Services.
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
Prior Council Action:
August 29, 2024 - Resolution 20250829-025 approving the nominees to the Board of Directors of the Austin Economic Development Corporation d/b/a Rally Austin, in accordance with Subchapter D, Chapter 431, of the Texas Transportation Code was approved on consent on Council Member Fuentes motion, Council Member Qadri's second on a 10-0 vote. Council Member Harper-Madison was absent.
For More Information:
Genesis Gavino, Chief of Staff, Genesis.Gavino@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-2523; Meghan Wells, Special Liaison for Economic Development and Culture, Meghan.Wells@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-9314.
Additional Backup Information:
In October 2020, recognizing the increasing pressures of rising real estate prices on affordability, equity, and the City’s iconic venues and small businesses, the City created the Austin Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), which operates today as Rally Austin. Statutorily established under Chapter 431 Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 394 Texas Local Government Code and the Texas Nonprofit Corporation Law, the corporation is organized for the purpose of aiding and acting on behalf of the City in the performance of the City's governmental functions to accomplish any governmental purpose of the City.
The fully autonomous agency is governed by a board consisting of 20 voting-members who are nominated by the City and other external agencies in the community. Each nominating body is asked to provide up to three nominations meeting the description of the subject matter area, qualifications, and skill sets for an ideal nominee. Criteria include a strong background with an understanding of and familiarity with the nominating organization and the community the nominating organization serves. Each nominee must also possess demonstrable skills and experience in the areas of industry, public/private partnerships, infrastructure or transportation, real estate development or construction, urban/regional planning, historic preservation, finance, creative and music industry, minority and women-owned businesses, and workforce.
In alignment with the findings from Rally Austin’s work with Public Finance Management Consultants, presented to the Board of Directors in January 2025, and Resolution 20221201-041 which directed the establishment of policies to enhance collaboration between the City of Austin and Rally Austin, Staff seeks approval to amend Section 1 of Article II of the Bylaws to include the following standing and/or nominating entities in each of the recommended places stated below:
• Seat 1: Replace Economic Development Department with designee or nominee for Economic Development from the Austin City Manager’s Office
• Seat 2: Replace Housing Department with designee or nominee for Affordable Housing from the Austin City Manager’s Office
• Seat 3: Replace Equity Office with designee from the Austin City Manager’s Office
• Seat 4: Replace Finance Office with designee from the Austin City Manager’s Office
• Seat 18: Remove due to dissolution of AustinUP.
This action is contingent upon adoption by the Rally Austin Board of Directors at the meeting to be held May 14, 2025.