Council OKs Visit Austin marketing plan

On Thursday, City Council finally approved the somewhat slimmed-down version of the marketing plan for Visit Austin, formerly known as the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau. Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo objected to language in the plan because of its numerous references to reductions in the budget. Those reductions were the subject of several serious conversations back in the fall, which resulted in Council directing the group to lower its budget and stop spending money on alcohol and entertainment by non-Austin musicians. Tovo and Council Member Leslie Pool declined to vote for the budget on Thursday. Council Member Jimmy Flannigan, who referenced his past role as an executive in the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, defended Visit Austin and its references to a reduced budget. Council members Ellen Troxclair and Delia Garza were out of town on city business. Troxclair was a major player in reducing the Visit Austin budget and redirecting its funds in the fall.