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.