On a typical weekday afternoon, Smoot Fellowship Hall at Central Presbyterian Church downtown might be hosting a refugee support program, preparing a meal for people experiencing homelessness or serving another community group. Under a proposal being pitched to Austin leaders, the space could take on a different role after dark, serving as a “green room” where musicians can eat, answer email, store gear and prepare for a gig at one of dozens of nearby venues.
The green room proposal is part of a broader package of budget recommendations proposed by the Downtown Commission. The commission is asking city leaders to consider funding expanded late-night safety escorts, subsidized parking for musicians and other amenities that advocates say would make it easier and more practical for musicians to perform downtown.
The proposals will compete with dozens of other funding requests as the City Council seeks to close a projected multimillion-dollar budget gap. The council will review City Manager T.C. Broadnax’s proposed $6.6 billion budget in the weeks ahead…