Category: In the News

The Economic Development Department says it supported more than 27,000 jobs and distributed over $54 million in community investments during fiscal year 2024, according to its recently released annual report. The report outlines the department’s evolving priorities, including the transfer of its cultural programs to a new Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment and a sharpened focus on workforce development, business support and place-based redevelopment.

City manager T.C. Broadnax described the department’s 2024 efforts as a foundation for “inclusive economic growth.” Interim EDD director Anthony Segura called the year transformative, citing the launch of the Austin Infrastructure Academy as a model for local economic mobility.

The academy received $5 million in city funding and launched in partnership with Austin Community College, Travis County, and Workforce Solutions Capital Area. It is designed to prepare Austinites for jobs tied to large public infrastructure projects, including Project Connect and the airport terminal expansion. According to the report, 286 residents received job training and 153 secured self-sustaining wages upon completion.

The city of Austin’s Economic Development Department (EDD) said it supported more than 27,000 jobs through its programs and services in 2024.

The department said it organized its work last year around three pillars:

• Create and retain jobs
• Amplify creative industries
• Build equitable, accessible and affordable communities

When it comes to creating and retaining jobs, the EDD said a vital part of that was the launch of the Austin Infrastructure Academy. The goal is to help build a local pipeline of workers for major construction and transportation projects in the region.

The Foundation for Better Business launched its new annual signature event—the Economic Resilience Luncheon—by spotlighting a critical threat to Texas growth: the deepening shortage of skilled tradespeople. With a focus on mobility, infrastructure, and the small businesses that keep Texas moving, the event drew a packed room of leaders from across Central Texas.

Before Jennifer Cobb became an electrician, she worked as a receptionist in a doctor’s office in the Austin area. She was making about $16 an hour and raising two boys, which meant money was tight. She had to rely on government assistance to help make ends meet.

“Sometimes I didn’t know how my kids were going to eat,” Cobb said. “I was having eviction notices put on my door. My car almost got repoed a couple of times. I actually had other cars repoed.”

But suddenly she was let go, and that presented an opportunity. Her brother, who is an electrician, had been in her ear about becoming one, talking up the increase in pay and the opportunities to grow.