What We Do:

Economic Development

The Music & Entertainment Division is highly engaged in developing and executing initiatives that help accelerate the growth of the music and entertainment industry infrastructure by focusing on job creation, talent export, trade development, and industry revenue growth.

We operate with a full time staff of eight people. Some of our initiatives are operated by Division staff, however we also partner with both private industry and nonprofit entities, which allows the City to extend its reach and amplify the impact of its annual budget dollars. This public-private partner model has had substantial success in creating tangible and measurable economic development benefits for the entertainment industries and the community.

The Division has also organically developed an important role for the Austin music industry by facilitating introductions, communication, and shaping discussions between music business operators who may not otherwise have knowledge of each other, resulting in new business and connections.

Regulatory Advisor for Industry and Community

In addition to the Music & Entertainment Division's economic development role, we regularly assist outdoor live music venues with the City-required permit process, and work closely with both large and small festivals on issues related to temporary event permits and other requested City resources for holding those events.

We also help to mediate agreements between neighborhood groups and permitted outdoor music venues to find equitable, win-win solutions and compromises related to outdoor music issues. In this capacity, the Division serves both the music industry and Austin’s citizens as an effective, approachable ally to help address the increasing pressures from various stakeholders related to the music industry and Austin’s rapid population growth in the downtown corridor, and those incumbent difficulties.

Additional Contacts:

Brian Block, Entertainment Services Manager

512-974-7966

Stephanie Bergara, Music Program Coordinator

512-974-7804

Jo Ann Fabian, Administrative Senior

512-974-7961