DAA 2007 Annual Report

Dear Downtown Austin Community:

This year, Austin has experienced the realization of the downtown vision that once only existed in our collective imaginations. We commend the City of Austin, under the strong leadership of Mayor Will Wynn, for creating an environment that is ripe with possibilities and poised for continued success.

The Downtown Austin Alliance devotes its vision and voice to an array of programs, projects and issues to ensure that the Downtown neighborhood is safe, clean, accessible and fun for residents, employees and visitors. We are proud of our accomplishments, but we know that one organization working in a vacuum cannot make downtown Austin a great place to work, live and play. Success is not attainable without collaboration. We all must work together, pooling our talents, resources and experiences to achieve a common goal.

This annual report is designed to provide top-line highlights of this year's initiatives and results. For a full account of our 2006-2007 activities, please visit our in-depth report posted on our Web site: www.downtownaustin.com.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as the Chair of the DAA. It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of this organization and to play a role in the continuing growth of our wonderful city.

Kent Collins
2006-2007 Chair
Alliance Board of Directors

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Engaging. Embracing. Exploring.

Economic Development: The DAA promotes the growth of retail, residential, office and hotel uses in downtown Austin.

  • Acted as major advocate for Waller Creek Tunnel project, which is now moving forward
  • Welcomed the Thomas Properties Group purchase of 3.5 million square feet of Class A office space for $1.15 billion — the largest real estate purchase in Texas history
  • Continued to support numerous development projects currently under construction
  • Created recommendations for public policies that affect downtown development

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Preserving. Partnering. Preparing.

Parks: The DAA works with our partners-the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department, Austin Parks Foundation, and Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association-to revitalize the 60 acres of parkland and downtown historic squares.

  • Funded and supported a Wooldridge Square site study and historical report completed by UT School of Architecture
  • Joined stakeholders to develop phase-one plan to add seating and preserve the historic Auction Oaks in Republic Square
  • Coordinated the Project for Public Spaces public input workshop at Republic Square in conjunction with the General Services Administration
  • Organized the Brush Square spring work day and media event attended by 45 volunteers
  • Initiated a historic study of Brush Square

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Recruiting. Refining. Reviving.

Retail Recruitment: The DAA acts as a "matchmaker" between property owners and quality retailers that meet the merchandizing mix strategy created for downtown.

  • Continued to recruit a diverse mix of retail businesses to East and West 6th Street, resulting in the relocation of the Alamo Drafthouse to the historic Ritz Theater
  • Worked with property owners to attract unique retailers to Congress Avenue, including Authenticity Fine Gift Gallery and Enchanté Bath, Body and Gifts
  • Supported the further development of the 2nd Street Retail District
  • Created 169 qualified new retail leads and 24 active prospects for downtown property owners

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Educating. Entertaining. Electrifying.

Arts & Entertainment Marketing: The DAA fosters the success of the organizations, events and communities that make downtown the premier destination for cultural events and entertainment.

  • Supported the continued success of the 20 museums, 22 performance venues, 50 galleries and 60 live music venues downtown
  • Produced Season 3 of the EMMY® Award-winning television series, DOWNTOWN, which generated more buzz about downtown Austin
  • Hosted the 2006 Holiday Tree Lighting & Sing-A-Long at the Capitol and the Congress Avenue Stroll in partnership with KUT 90.5, bringing more than 8,500 visitors downtown
  • Provided up-to-date information on events, street closures, shopping, entertainment, restaurants, development and living downtown via www.downtownaustin.com to more than 4.5 million unique visitors

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Connecting. Converting. Commuting.

Transportation & Streetscapes: The DAA works with various stakeholders to improve access to and mobility within downtown Austin.

  • Worked with the City of Austin to identify opportunities for sidewalk improvements including 775 linear feet of rehabilitated standard sidewalks and more than 20 blocks of Great Streets improvements
  • Advocated for the two-way conversion of five blocks of Cesar Chavez to strengthen the neighborhood's pedestrian infrastructure and improve traffic flow
  • Presented recommendations to the City of Austin for the improvement of special events street closures in an effort to minimize disruptions and maximize access
  • Held a Transit Luncheon and workshops showcasing the positive impact of transit systems on businesses and the community
  • Advocated for the inclusion of a Central Transfer Station in Capital Metro's Future Connections Study

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Securing. Sanitizing. Streamlining.

Security and Maintenance: The DAA works with its members and the community to address key safety and cleanliness issues affecting downtown.

  • Devoted $431,000 to fund key safety programs:
    • Eight full-time Downtown Rangers
    • Assistant DA focused on downtown issues
    • Four full-time parks police
  • Provided maintenance services to keep downtown looking its best:
    • 5,000 staff hours dedicated to daily litter removal
    • 2,434 graffiti tags and thousands of handbills and stickers removed
    • 2,500+ hours of cleaning sidewalks 2-3 times a week
    • Detail cleaning of sidewalks along East 6th Street and Congress Avenue
  • Assisted TABC and APD in monitoring liquor license applications and renewals to address problem operators
  • Partnered with community organizations such as the Reentry Roundtable and the Mental Health Jail Diversion Task Force of Austin/Travis County to address social issues, reduce crime and improve the quality of life downtown

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Combined statement of financial position for the year ended April 30, 2007

Assets

Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents $710,636
Investments 37,227
Accounts Receivable 143,359
Prepaid 5,649
Total Current Assets $896,871
Property & Equipment
net of depreciation of $345,005  
TOTAL ASSETS $896,871

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Liabilities and Net Assets

Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable $5,828
Accrued Expenses 572,741
Contingent Liability 11,336
Total Current Liabilities $589,905
Net Assets
Unrestricted Net Assets $284,806
Temporarily Restricted Net Assets 22,160
Total Net Assets $306,966
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $896,871

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Combined statement of activities for the year ended April 30, 2007

Changes in Unrestricted Net Assets

Revenue & Other Support
Public Improvement Revenue $1,401,458
Contributions from Travis County 25,000
Membership Dues 23,450
Interest Income 15,123
Contributions 11,390
Other Support 88,063
Total Revenue and Other Support $1,564,484
Net Assets Released from Restrictions 202,735
TOTAL UNRESTRICTED REVENUE AND OTHER SUPPORT $1,767,219

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Expenses

Program Services
Parks $39,588
Arts/Marketing 631,447
Communications 94,253
Economic Development 248,571
Membership 110,433
Security 504,526
Maintenance 142,207
Streetscapes & Transportation 88,419
Total Program Services $1,859,444
Supporting Services
General and Administrative 169,239
Total Supporting Services $169,239
TOTAL EXPENSES $2,028,683
Increase(decrease) in Unrestricted Net Assets (261,464)

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Changes in Temporarily Restricted Net Assets

Contributions $202,735
Net Assets Released from Restrictions (202,735)
Increase(decrease) in Net Assets $(261,464)
Net Assets at Beginning of Year $568,431
Net Assets at End of Year $306,967

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