Lakeway approves $225,000 in hotel‑occupancy funds for TexArts

The Lakeway City Council unanimously approved a $225,000 hotel‑occupancy‑tax (HOT) grant request from TexArts, split between $125,000 for arts production and $100,000 for advertising and promotion.

Assistant City Manager Ashby Gordon summarized the request and reminded council that advertising grants require a 100% match by the recipient. Former Mayor Sandy Cox (speaking for TexArts) described the organization’s expanded facility, 95 annual performances and outreach; Cox highlighted rising production costs and said the group pays artists and crew, which drives personnel and royalty line items. Cox told council the organization’s surveys show modest hotel stays attributable directly to productions and additional local economic activity through dining and entertainment.

Council asked about personnel and the calculation of hotel room nights. Staff confirmed the request keeps the city within HOT allocation limits for arts promotion. After questions, a motion to approve the distribution of $225,000 passed unanimously.

Quote: Sandy Cox said TexArts’ new home "has just opened up so many new opportunities for us" and noted the organization pays its artists and crew as part of program costs.