Entertainment & Amplified Sound Compatibility Engagement

The City of Austin is committed to supporting live music and entertainment venues and their essential contribution to Austin’s culture and nighttime economy, while preserving the quality of life for Austinites and visitors. From October 2018–May 2019, the Music & Entertainment Division (MED) within the Economic Development Department (EDD) convened experts, community stakeholders, and City staff to formulate recommendations for Mayor and Council for improving Amplified Sound Compatibility.

Because of the diligent participation of all involved, recommendations have been formed that are community informed and professionally qualified for strategic implementation. The document Amplified Sound Compatibility Staff Recommendations to Mayor & Council: Resolution No. 20181018-038_6-4-19 is uploaded in the Final Reports & Background section of this web page and includes the following:

  1. Memo to Mayor and Council with Implementation Strategy
  2. Responsible Hospitality Institute’s Action Report
  3. MED's Stakeholder Feedback Summary Report

The memo provided to Mayor and Council indicates that no immediate policy direction is necessary, and that staff is already in the administrative process of working through several recommendations informed by stakeholder feedback. Transparency and accountability are critical for proceeding and maintaining the trust built with the community through this process; therefore, staff will work with the Chair and members of the Austin Music Commission to provide monthly reports on the progress of the outlined steps, as well as on any unforeseen changes related to implementing recommendations.

MED is excited to bring forward the work stakeholders have elevated through this engagement and to deliver recommendation outcomes in the community. Staff also appreciates each stakeholder who participated in this collaborative effort to preserve Austin’s unique music culture, while supporting our nighttime economy and preserving the quality of life for all Austinites.

The City of Austin is committed to supporting live music and entertainment venues and their essential contribution to Austin’s culture and nighttime economy, while preserving the quality of life for Austinites and visitors. From October 2018–May 2019, the Music & Entertainment Division (MED) within the Economic Development Department (EDD) convened experts, community stakeholders, and City staff to formulate recommendations for Mayor and Council for improving Amplified Sound Compatibility.

Because of the diligent participation of all involved, recommendations have been formed that are community informed and professionally qualified for strategic implementation. The document Amplified Sound Compatibility Staff Recommendations to Mayor & Council: Resolution No. 20181018-038_6-4-19 is uploaded in the Final Reports & Background section of this web page and includes the following:

  1. Memo to Mayor and Council with Implementation Strategy
  2. Responsible Hospitality Institute’s Action Report
  3. MED's Stakeholder Feedback Summary Report

The memo provided to Mayor and Council indicates that no immediate policy direction is necessary, and that staff is already in the administrative process of working through several recommendations informed by stakeholder feedback. Transparency and accountability are critical for proceeding and maintaining the trust built with the community through this process; therefore, staff will work with the Chair and members of the Austin Music Commission to provide monthly reports on the progress of the outlined steps, as well as on any unforeseen changes related to implementing recommendations.

MED is excited to bring forward the work stakeholders have elevated through this engagement and to deliver recommendation outcomes in the community. Staff also appreciates each stakeholder who participated in this collaborative effort to preserve Austin’s unique music culture, while supporting our nighttime economy and preserving the quality of life for all Austinites.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Amplified Sound Compatibility Proposed Solutions Survey - SURVEY CLOSED - Thanks for participating!

    Since 2017, the Music & Entertainment Division of the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department has been collecting proposed solutions from stakeholders and staff to address amplified sound compatibility issues surrounding live music and entertainment venues, Austinites, and visitors.

    For this engagement, stakeholder meetings kicked off late 2018 with a Listening Session at the Doris Miller Auditorium on December 5th.  This meet-up included members from neighborhood associations, music venues, night life establishments, real estate industry, and hotels.  An online survey was also available to stakeholders through December 14, 2018, to collect information on ongoing issues and proposed

    Since 2017, the Music & Entertainment Division of the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department has been collecting proposed solutions from stakeholders and staff to address amplified sound compatibility issues surrounding live music and entertainment venues, Austinites, and visitors.

    For this engagement, stakeholder meetings kicked off late 2018 with a Listening Session at the Doris Miller Auditorium on December 5th.  This meet-up included members from neighborhood associations, music venues, night life establishments, real estate industry, and hotels.  An online survey was also available to stakeholders through December 14, 2018, to collect information on ongoing issues and proposed solutions. 

    The main themes that emerged from the Listening Session and online survey are summarized below and reflect interest areas in previous engagements:

    1.  Agent of Change: Useful as a forward facing tool, while monitoring and enforcement is used to resolve current conflict.

    2.  Compliance & Enforcement: The City must improve and then provide consistent enforcement of the sound ordinance.

    3.  Sound Standards, Monitoring & Mitigation: Establish amplified sound standards for all venues, increase publicly accessible and real-time sound monitoring, and increase City-led mitigation testing and efforts.

    4.  Stakeholder Partnerships: Build on success of Red River Extended Hours Pilot Program, where venues and residents successfully worked together on agreements and self-regulation, while also considering other community-led groups to serve as problem solvers and advocates.

    Please take a moment to let us know if you agree or disagree with each proposed solution provided so far in each key area, including your preferred implementation timeline and any additional suggestions for solutions.

    This information will be collected, analyzed, then discussed during our next engagement meeting happening Saturday, February 2nd, at LZR to learn the impact of each solution and prioritize accordingly.

    Thank you for participating!

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