Audit Committee Meeting – April 14, 2026

The Audit Committee convened on April 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM with all members present (Concejal Mesa González, Concejal White, Citizens Channels and Pacheco, and President Villagran). The meeting covered three main agenda items: an information session on a downtown accessibility and mobility study RFP (estimated $500,000), and two contract approvals related to the proposed Sports and Entertainment District – a revenue opportunities study ($316,350–$350,000) and an executive program management (EPM) contract ($6 million for Phase One). No public testimony was heard.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of previous meeting minutes: The minutes from the prior meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Downtown Accessibility & Mobility Study RFP (Information Only): Staff presented a proposed RFP for a one-year, $500,000 study to analyze pedestrian, vehicular, transit, and micromobility movement in and out of downtown, with a potential one-year renewal. The study is intended to inform infrastructure decisions tied to the new NBA arena, convention center expansion, and other downtown projects. Speakers emphasized coordination with VIA, TxDOT, and other partners. Key evaluation criteria: experience (30 points), proposed plan (35 points), price (10 points), and local preference (5 points). The committee expressed strong support for the study, with members asking about geographic scope, community engagement, and alignment with other initiatives. Staff expects to return to City Council with recommendations in late summer (August/September). No vote was taken.
• Item 3 – Contract for Revenue Opportunities Study (Sports & Entertainment District): Chief Financial Officer Troy Elliott presented a post‑award report seeking approval to proceed with a contract for financial modeling and revenue analysis related to the proposed sports and entertainment district. The estimated value is $316,350 (with a contingency up to $350,000) from hotel occupancy tax funds. Four firms responded; one was disqualified for lacking cost analysis. Three were evaluated, with one scoring highest (64.95 after interviews). The committee discussed local preference points and the need for a full council presentation. President Villagran moved that the item be placed on the City Council agenda as an individual discussion item (not on the consent calendar) to allow for robust dialogue. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Several members also requested that the study be aligned with the mobility study from Item 2.
• Item 4 – Contract for Executive Program Management (EPM) Services (Sports & Entertainment District): Staff presented a post‑award recommendation for a contract to provide executive program management oversight for the entire sports and entertainment district, including the new arena, convention center expansion, Alamodome improvements, and related infrastructure. The five‑year contract (with a possible five‑year extension) is valued at approximately $6 million for Phase One (through March 2027), funded by capital project and hotel occupancy tax funds. Eight firms responded; evaluations considered experience (50 points), SBE participation (10 points), local preference (10 points), and other criteria. After written and interview evaluations, one firm emerged as the highest scorer. Committee members questioned accountability, penalties for delays or cost overruns, local business inclusion, and transparency. Staff clarified that the EPM would oversee but not own project risks; city council would retain decision‑making. The committee again voted unanimously to recommend the contract as an individual agenda item at the April 30 City Council meeting, citing the high profile of the project.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2: No action required; committee expressed support and provided guidance for staff to return with a final RFP and recommendations to council in late summer.
• Item 3: Motion passed to forward the revenue opportunities contract to City Council as an individual item (not consent). The finance department will prepare a detailed presentation including local preference information.
• Item 4: Motion passed to forward the EPM contract to City Council as an individual item. Staff will produce a visual map showing all components, phases, and timelines of the district to aid council understanding.

The meeting adjourned at 3:07 PM.