RRCD ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Our Cultural District plays a critical leadership role in policy advocacy to support the greater music industry and creative ecosystems in Austin.

Our accomplishments since 2013 demonstrate the complexity of the Cultural District, its opportunities and the challenges that stand at the forefront of a stronger and more vibrant Cultural District. 

2013: 

• Secured official City designation as a local Cultural District, formally the Red River Cultural District. Resolution No. 20131017-036

2014: 

• Community stakeholders began informal communication channels, building a base of trust and friendship 

2015: 

• Launched a unified stakeholder vision and consistent advocacy through grassroots community organizing. 
• RRCD provided leadership and advocacy towards the first Austin Music Census.

2016:

• Business Leaders engage the Economic Development Department to assist in place-based economic development efforts through the Souly Austin district development program.
• Urban Land Institute (ULI) Austin completed a two-day review of the Red River Cultural District to develop a study regarding live music preservation. Red River Cultural District: Live Music Preservation Study
• RRCD policy and advocacy leadership towards the City Council advancement of the Music and Creative Space Omnibus, paving the way for a City Music Office.

2017:

• Red River Merchants Association Inc. was formed as a formal 501C3 Texas nonprofit corporation.
• RRCD completed their first Red River Cultural District Economic Strategy outlining a vision for the future of the District
• On January 26, 2017 City Council passed Ordinance No. 20170126-019 which established a pilot program that authorizes extended hours to operate sound equipment.
• On June 8, 2017 City Council passed Resolution No. 20170608-033 directing the City Manager to explore a variety of public infrastructure enhancements
• Red River Cultural District launches the second annual free music festival Hot Summer Nights.
• Installation of 3 new murals in the District, located at 7th, 9th and 10th on Red River, these serve as an aesthetic improvement but also helps to preserve identity and history. 

2018:

• RRCD provided policy leadership and advocacy towards creating an environment in which Austin’s live music and nightlife scene can thrive while enacting practices that ensure a healthy quality of life for community residents Resolution No. 20181018-038
• RRCD provided policy leadership and advocacy towards Ordinance 20180830-058 to create a Locational Enhancement Program and real estate gap financing program as a mechanism for live music, cultural space, and small business preservation

2019:

• On August 8, 2019 City Council passed Resolution No. 20190808-144 supporting the Economic Development Department in design and implementation of public infrastructure enhancements along Red River Street and securing project funds.
• RRCD provided policy leadership and advocacy towards the creation of a Live Music Fund grant program utilizing City of Austin Hot Occupancy Taxes. Ordinance No. 20190919-149
• RRCD policy leadership and advocacy advances Resolution 20190822-20 creating the Creative Space Assistance Program. 

2020: 

• Provided policy leadership and advocacy towards allocation of $11M in Federal Relief Grants due to COVID-19 of which $6M went to support musicians and $5M for music venues
• Secured State of Texas Cultural District designation from the Texas Commission on the Arts. 
• Banding Together ATX: RRCD issued microgrants in partnership with HEB awarding $225,000+ to 3000 individual grants to performers and industry workers during the economic devastations related to COVID-19
• RRCD policy leadership and advocacy towards Resolution 20201203-046 establishing the Iconic Venue Fund in partnership with the Austin Economic Development Corporation with goal of total funding of $15M

2021:

• Safe in Sound: Red River Cultural District provided leadership towards the creation of Safe in Sound, a public health code-of conduct safety program during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Safer Together: RRCD launched partnership with Travis County District Attorney Office focused on overdose prevention and harm reduction. 
• VANs “Foot The Bill Initiative” RRCD partnered with the international lifestyle brand, VANs, to create a custom shoe to raise awareness about the collapse of the music and service industries due to the pandemic.

2022:

• $1.5 Million in Red River Enhancements Red River streetscape enhancements completed; including new planters, street trees, pedestrian scale solar lighting, crosswalk enhancements, and sidewalk and curb improvements. Ribbon cutting celebration in September 2022. 
• $5K investment supporting local creative and beautification. Installation of over 20 unique Red River Street banners showcasing local Austin musicians who have performed on its stages, boosting the district’s reputation and celebrating its musical heritage.
• $100K investment in Red River Safety: Collaborated with the city to address a neglected alley known for criminal activity, leading to its closure and improved security, significantly reducing crime and enhancing safety in the area

2023:

• RRCD provided policy leadership and advocacy towards the codification of music venues as a use in the City’s land development code.  ORDINANCE NO. 20230914-097
• Installation of new custom street signs at key intersections in the District to promote the district’s cultural diversity

2024:

• Secured equitable Cultural District Funding from City of Austin for up to 4 years. 
• Secured $45,000 through first Cultural District Project grant from Texas Commission on the Arts for Hot Summer Nights, free music festival. 
• Secured $24,000 in grant funding from Texas Commission of the Arts for Cultural Current Initiative. 
• Provided policy leadership and advocacy towards City-wide Economic and Cultural District District Framework Policy Resolution No.20240926-014
• Launched District Dialogues, quarterly event series focused on music, arts and culture. 
• RRCD policy leadership and advocacy advanced City Council to approve the Sound Assessment and Disclosure ordinance 

2025:

• Secured affordable parking program for Red River workers utilizing the Austin Water Garage for an affordable rate of $50 per month 
• Launched a new monthly tradition featuring matinee programming, Why Not Wednesdays. 
• Launched new District Promotions Map available at hotels, coffee shops and venues. 
• Launched first Cultural Current quarterly Zine with distributions at 12+ locations

2026:

• RRCD launches new Soundtrack to the Future 5+ Year Strategic Plan
• RRCD launches Economic Impact Analysis report 

More to come…