Downtown Austin Alliance

The Best of Austin Awards by The @AustinChronicle are now open! We encourage you to support your favorite downtown businesses by nominating and voting for them. Show your support, the first round of voting is open until April 7. Vote here: https://lnkd.in/gHj9rBs

The Austin Business Journal just released a profile on our new President & CEO, Davon Barbour. Learn about the journey that brought him to this role, who he is, and his plans to create, preserve, and enhance the vibe, vitality, and value of Downtown Austin? for everyone. Check out the profile here: https://lnkd.in/gNgAmxQg

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Downtown Austin Alliance founding board member Charles Heimsath. Charles served the Downtown Alliance in many capacities over three decades through his expertise in market research. He was an active participant in our Research Task Force, Advisory Council, Built Environment Committee, International Downtown Association Conferences and chaired our Development Policy Committee. Charles’ contributions to the Downtown Alliance were innumerable and his impact on downtown Austin can be felt now and for generations to come. The Downtown Austin Alliance staff & board are deeply thankful for Charles’ years of service and his friendship. His presence downtown is already missed. https://lnkd.in/gCzTUnMH

Thank you to everyone who attended our Issues & Eggs on 6th Street’s Next Act yesterday. The dynamic panel discussion between Eddie Garcia, Paul Bodenman, and Blake Thompson helped us examine several of the well-known street's development, safety, and economic aspects from different perspectives. Crime Scientist Dr. Tamara Herold dove into the crime stats and safety trends on 6th Street and helped us dissect what they mean. We were also able to recognize Lt. Christopher Juusola for his service as the DTAC Lieutenant; as he is coming off the downtown team. Thank you very much to our speakers and, as always, to St. David’s for hosting us!

?? Congratulations to Nicole Klepadlo, the new Executive Director of the Red River Cultural District! Nicole has been an integral part of the Red River Cultural District since its inception, having co-led efforts to formalize the District in 2013 and helping steer the ship for the past two years in her interim role. We are thrilled to have Nicole formally in this role!

One of the best perks of working downtown? Enjoying happy hour drinks and bites after work with your favorite people. Swift's Attic has an incredible happy hour menu featuring $7 specialty cocktails and half-priced bar snacks that all sound so incredible you will have difficulty choosing! Luckily, their friendly, knowledgeable staff is more than happy to help you decide. -XOXO Downtown Austin (Pictured are the Razz-beret, Passionfruit Margarita, Squid Fries & Tiger Apricots)

We are thrilled to announce that the inaugural round of XOXO Videography Fellows and Mentors through the Downtown Austin Alliance has been selected and onboarded! ?? Congratulations to our fellows: - Maddie Abdalla @allTheMads - Jason Yu @JasonYu_Photos - Hope Wager @HopefullyImFunny ?? Announcing our talented mentors: - Julián Fernández Garnick @julianFG.Mov - Carlos Nevarez @CarlosNevarezDP We can't wait to see downtown Austin through your perspectives and see what incredible projects you create working together. Stay tuned in to see what they come up with! Learn more about the fellows, mentors and our program here: https://lnkd.in/gs_uKM_F

Nightwing, by Dale Whistler, will not be greeting you on your way over the Congress Avenue Bridge for a while. This spinning bat sculpture in front of the YETI flagship store is going to be removed for repainting and restoration with Manchaca Metals. The Downtown Austin Alliance commissioned this piece in 1998 and is now funding the full restoration. Art in Public Places is coordinating the efforts.

Join us TOMORROW - March 25, at 7:30am for an exciting presentation from Dr. Tamara Herold, an American Crime Scientist, who will share the results of her Austin Crime Report, and its direct ties to 6th Street. Then, our panel will discuss what they are doing to combat these challenges to improve public safety and revitalize the district: - Eddie Garcia, Assistant City Manager, East 6th Safety Task Force - Paul Bodenman, Senior Vice President, Stream’s efforts toward new Old 6th Street - Blake Thompson, co-founder of State Street Properties, the owner/operator vision. - Moderated by Downtown Austin Alliance CEO, Davon Barbour. Don't forget to RSVP! https://lnkd.in/g_ps2XKy

Join us on Sunday, April 13, from 2pm to 5pm at Republic Square for a phenomenal, FREE music experience! HartBeat Productions, in collaboration with the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, presents the Gospel Jazz Festival with Christopher D. Spivey & Company and the Pamela Hart Sextet for free to the public! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and relax on the beautiful Republic Square grounds while you enjoy this gospel jazz concert featuring talented local artists. Food trucks will be available on-site. Central City Gospel Jazz Festival features local gospel and jazz musicians while celebrating the history and the diversity embedded in the jazz and gospel culture in Austin. The Central City Gospel Jazz Festival also includes storytelling moments, highlighting local historical figures to pay tribute to their lives and contributions to a more inclusive society. Get your tickets: https://lnkd.in/g3wsiYVr This project is supported in part by the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, a Texas nonprofit organization.