2019 Board Chair - Brian Cassidy, Locke Lord
"There are many opportunities for us to continue the success we've had in stimulating and growing the economy through generating and attracting new jobs that help people in our region ain economic stability and prosperity."
86th Texas Legislature
The Chamber supported and advocated for key policy initiatives to ensure Texas remains competitive when it comes to infrastructure and strong economic fundamentals necessary for attracting and retaining job creators and talent.
Economic Development Tools
The Legislature approved increased funding for economic development projects and renewed the ability for local governments to offer tax abatements on new investment projects.
HB 1
Appropriates $534 million for economic development projects
HB 3143
Extends Tax Code Chapter 312 to 2029
Education Improvement
The Legislature approved landmark legislation that reforms public education funding. The legislation will keep money for Central Texas schools in Central Texas, while reducing property tax rates. WE estimate school district property taxes due to state recapture (aka Robin Hood) would have gone up by approximately $600 million in FY21 without the passage of HB 3.
FAFSA
The state expects all high school graduates, starting with today's sophomores, to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
College/Career/Military Readiness
School districts will receive $3,000-$5,000 in bonuses for each student who graduates college-ready and either goes directly to college, enlists in the US Armed Forces, or earns a certification that leads to middle-wage employment.
Opportunity Austin 4.0
In 2019, we launched the fourth iteration of our prosperity initiative, Opportunity Austin. Opportunity Austin 4.0 aims to boost economic diversification to proactively strengthen the economy, deepen, the talent pool through development and attraction, and keep the Greater Austin region attractive to entrepreneurs, business leaders, and site selectors.
Opportunity Austin Scorecard
| ACTIVITY | 2019 | 2018 | Annual Goal | Campaign to Date | OA 4.0 Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prospect Visits | 139 | 157 | 125 | 139 | 625 |
| Lead Generation | 276 | 280 | 250 | 276 | 1,250 |
| Out-of-Region Visits | 306 | 240 | 225 | 306 | 1,125 |
| Newly Located Companies | 58 | 46 | 60 | 58 | 300 |
| Regional Retention Surveys | 469 | 556 | 280 | 469 | 1,400 |
| Local Expansions | 118 | 109 | 100 | 118 | 500 |
Expansion & Relocation Highlights
Mobility
We support commonsense policies and transportation projects that accommodate our rapidly growing population.
Project Connect
Boards of the Chamber and partner organization Real Estate Council of Austin passed a joint resolution to support Capital Metro's Project Connect vision, provided key items are addressed.
Air Service Successes
The Chamber continued its work to increase the number of nonstop flights out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Business Community Collaboration
ATX Helps
Driven by the Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Austin Alliance—as well as a number of other businesses, nonprofit entities, faith-based organizations, and individuals—ATX Helps launched on Nov. 7, 2019, with the goal of raising $14 million to construct and operate a shelter that will provide immediate housing and other necessities for Austinites experiencing homelessness.
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Effective workforce training programs
The Chamber continues to collaborate with education partners, such as local school districts and Austin Community College, to ensure Austin continues to have individuals with the talent and skills to fill the jobs of tomorrow. As part of a grant funded by the Texas Workforce Commission and facilitated by Workforce Solutions Capital Area, the chamber has hired a talent coordinator to work directly with local school districts to connect students with learning opportunities from nearby businesses.
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