Tourism commission reviews annual report and roadmap; discusses filling vacancies and timelines

The Austin Tourism Commission spent a portion of its June 11 meeting reviewing a draft internal annual report and its work roadmap for the coming year. Chair Ronan and Vice Chair Bailey led discussion of edits, timing and next steps.

Daniel (staff) said he assembled the draft with the intent of having it approved at the June meeting if possible: "I put this together with the intent of having it passed today if possible." He noted he will be unavailable in July and invited commissioners to submit edits to staff.

Why it matters: The internal review documents the commission's activities, goals and recommended next steps for the city. Commissioners emphasized including recent work on short‑term rentals and the anticipated timing for hotel‑occupancy tax changes so the report can show results from prior recommendations.

Commissioners discussed two current commission vacancies (two district seats) and considered outreach strategies. Chair Ronan volunteered to coordinate outreach to city council offices with Vice Chair Bailey to recommend areas of expertise the commission seeks — for example, music and events representation, hotel or restaurant industry experience, labor or convention expertise — while noting appointments are made by council members. Commissioners also agreed to accept written edits to the draft report and have staff consolidate changes for approval at the next meeting, with a July 31 submission deadline for the internal review.

Ending: The commission agreed to collect edits by email to staff and to return a consolidated draft for approval at a later meeting so the July 31 internal‑review deadline can be met.