ACME reports Live Music Fund collections, FY24 grant closeouts and opens FY26 applications

The Austin Music and Entertainment division (ACME) reported the latest hotel occupancy tax collections for the Live Music Fund and provided FY24 grant closeout data while announcing open applications for the FY26 cycle.

ACME program manager Kim McCarson told the commission that September collections for the Live Music Fund were $26,351, bringing year‑to‑date collections to $4,404,004.62, a 1% decline from the prior year. "The September collections are 26,351. That makes the year to date, $4,404,004.62," McCarson said.

Erica Shamali, music and entertainment division manager, presented FY24 closeout metrics. Out of 136 awarded grants, 136 award agreements have been accepted; 135 awardees completed orientations and financial forms and received first payments. Second payments have been made to 101 awardees (about 74%), and 52 agreements have closed with final payments (about 38%). "A 135 completed financial forms, and first payments paid…a 101 second payments…52 final payments," Shamali summarized.

Why it matters: the Live Music Fund is paid by hotel occupancy tax revenues and supports Austin…