City staff on Nov. 5 briefed the Historic Landmarks Commission on a new Heritage Preservation Grant program managed by the Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment department (ACME) and funded with hotel occupancy tax revenue.

"The Heritage Preservation Grant aims to preserve and promote preservation projects, expand access to historic spaces and heritage resources, showcase local stories rooted in history, and support the creative economy to attract and expand audiences and engage tourists seeking authentic experiences," said Christina Kufo, project coordinator in ACME's funding programs.

ACME staff said the source of funding (hotel occupancy tax) constrains eligible projects: grants must promote tourism or convention delegate visitation to historic sites. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and for-profit businesses that have operated for at least two years in the Austin-Round Rock MSA; proposed sites must be nonresidential and open to the public. Grant caps: heritage events up to $50,000 (or $150,000 if at a designated historic site), and capital improvement projects up to $250,000 for projects at historically designated sites or sites eligible for designation.

Staff described a three-step application process intended to reduce duplication. Step 1 (intake) and Step 2 (eligibility) must be completed by 6:59 p.m. CST on Thursday, Dec. 4; eligible applicants will then have until 6:59 p.m. CST on Thursday, Dec. 11 to submit the full application. ACME will evaluate applications using a scored external panel with an Olympic-style scoring method (drop highest and lowest scores, average remainder).

Laura Odegard, acting division manager for funding programs, described mandatory marketing training for awardees delivered through a contracted provider (Miles Partnership) and said applicants must post promoted events on Visit Austin and complete two marketing modules during their grant term.

Staff encouraged applicants to use ACME resources including workshops, open office hours and multilingual materials; staff said technical assistance and translation/interpretation are available on request.

The commission did not take a vote on the briefing, which was received for information.