AUSTIN, Texas —
The Red River Cultural District (RRCD) is still pushing to get funding from the city of Austin.
The district submitted a the formal request months ago but said it has yet to hear back.
The RRCD said it needs the money to keep supporting their members and to help manage the challenges that come with a growing city, like increasing rent prices.
The Austin City Council passed a resolution to direct the city manager to find the funds for the district, and the council was supposed to hear a report back by May 2. The RRCD said the deadline has come and gone, and it still hasn't heard anything.
A representative from the district said the RRCD has presented its request in front of the city's Music, Downtown and Tourism commissions, all of which supported giving funding to the district.
RRCD said it's frustrating to feel like it had that support and then not hear any updates.
Now members of the district are staying true to their request, being transparent with fans and asking their community to reach out to the city council on their behalf to push for an update.
"We are not only a cultural center, but we are [a] major economic impact and generator for this community. There's jobs and tourism, and the people that come here, the musicians that play here, it's all foundational to what this community's brand is," RRCD Interim Executive Director Nicole Klepadlo said.
The RRCD puts on annual events, including Free Week and Hot Summer Nights. It's looking for help to keep those things going.
"If we are at risk of losing this, with the surrounding development and the changes that are coming to downtown, our fans and community need to know. And they need to know how we're advocating and how we're asking for support," Klepadlo said.
The district sent city council members a letter asking for an update.
KVUE reached out to council members over the weekend to ask for a response or the latest information.
Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly responded, saying she's doing some research into the matter and hopes to have more information by midday Monday.
Councilmember Zohaib "Zo" Qadri sent the following statement:
"We greatly value everything the Red River Cultural District brings to the community, which is why our office remains committed to working with Council and City staff to find creative solutions for supporting the RRCD. City staff determined that we did not have the resources we need to meet the demands laid out by our Resolution. But we aren't deterred in any way from making sure we get RRCD support over the finish line, which is why we are continuing these conversations heading into the budget process."
It's also worth noting that shortly after the May 2 deadline for a response from the city manager, a new city manager started in that role. It's unclear if that could be the reason for the delay.