Army Selects Austin Region as home for new Futures Command HQ
On July 13, 2018, the U.S. Army announced Austin was selected as the location for its new Army Futures Command. It's the Army’s first major reorganization in 45 years. The Opportunity Austin-led project, which included support from leaders across the region, is expected to create 500 jobs.

Opportunity Austin Press Conference (Austin, Texas)
Gov. Abbott, Lt. General Wesley, Austin City Manager Cronk, Capital Factory Founder Baer, OA/Chamber SVP Bodisch

Army Futures Command Press Conference (Washington, D.C.)
Army Secretary Mark Esper announces Austin selected for new Army Futures Command

"They Said It..."

Army Secreatary Mark Esper
“We didn’t go into this saying, ‘Well, we need something up here in that part of the country, or this part of the country,’ ” Esper said. “What we tried to do is find the best place for the Army, for the mission and for our people.”

Army Under Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy
McCarthy said that Austin scored the highest among all finalists on the basis of several criteria, including proximity to people with expertise in math and science, provide-sector innovation, academic institutions with a history of research and development. The Army also assessed the cities for quality of life and cost of living, and examined what sort of civic support was available.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott
“The legacy of America’s freedom depends in part on the ability of our Armed Forces to remain at the forefront of technological advancement, expand our military’s power to assess threats, and modernize our defense. The State of Texas is proud to partner with the U.S. Army in establishing the Futures Command to harness the cutting-edge technologies needed to build an innovative, research-based foundation for our national defense. This sweeping reorganization of the Army’s military efforts adds to the historic connection between Texas and the U.S. military, and I am proud of their presence in the Lone Star State.”

U.S. Senator John Cornyn
“Austin’s dynamic growth, access to top research institutions like the University of Texas, and proximity to innovative tech and business industries make the city a strong choice for the new Army Futures Command,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I look forward to supporting this new Command as it develops technologies to carry our nation’s warfighters into the future.”

U.S. Senator. Ted Cruz
"I’m proud to have worked to bring Army Futures Command to Texas. As part of the largest Army reorganization in 45 years, the AFC will help the organization adopt new tech and explore 21st century solutions more efficiently."

Congressman John Carter (T-31)
“I’m proud to have secured the last bit of funding necessary, with the help of Defense Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger, to make Austin the new home of Futures Command,” Rep. Carter said. “As the command tasked with spearheading Army modernization projects and preparing for future conflict, the new Futures Command will serve a critical role in strengthening the security of our country and will be an economic driver for the Central Texas region. This major investment in Central Texas will also immediately bring 500 new jobs, and further strengthen Central Texas’ economy. Central Texas is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, with outstanding universities, affordable housing, and a commitment to America’s military that can’t be matched. I expect to see many of these new Texas residents plant their roots right here in Texas’ 31^st Congressional District and we welcome them with open arms.”

Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10)
“I cannot think of a better place for the Army Futures Command Center to be located. Austin, my hometown, is a booming tech-hub with close ties to the U.S. Armed Forces. We already host some of the U.S. military’s newest innovative research and development investments, including the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental, the Army Research Lab South, and the Air Force’s ‘AFWERXs.’ I know this addition will serve as great help to the Command,” Rep. McCaul said. While it will provide more jobs for TX-10, our innovative environment will also ensure our nation maintains the best of the best in our military. As the proud son of a WWII B-17 bombardier, I look forward to continuing to support this new defense center.”

Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21)
“This is tremendous news for central Texas. The Army Futures Command will bring hundreds of jobs to the Austin area. With its excellent academic institutions and established technology sector, Austin will be of great help to the Command,” said Rep. Smith. “I look forward to Texas playing an even greater role in securing our country by welcoming this newest defense center.”

Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25)
“This is great news for the State of Texas and the United States. Austin is the fastest growing city in the nation, and I cannot think of a location more fit to serve as the modernization and innovation hub for the United States Army. It creates a unique synergy between the military, academia and industry partners, unified in their goal to provide soldiers with the weapons and equipment that they need to fight and win,” said Rep. Williams. “As a resident and the representative of Austin, I welcome the Army Futures Command, and look forward to working with them to ensure the Army remains the best trained and equipped fighting force in the world.”

Texas Representative Paul Workman (TX-47)
"I applaud the U.S. Army's decision to locate its Futures Command in Austin. Central Texas is home to a thriving tech community, world-class higher education institutions, and a booming economy, making it a perfect fit to host the Army Futures Command. As a strong advocate for Austin in the Army's selection process, I am thrilled by this decision. This is an incredible opportunity and responsibility for Texas."

Austin Mayor Steve Adler
"It's exciting that Austin has been selected as the home of the new Army Futures Command,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “Innovation and creativity are intersecting with more industries every day, and it’s happening more and more in Austin, an international innovation capital. This announcement is great for our economy and presents endless possibilities to develop collaboration with our vibrant and thriving technology industry.”

San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Scully
“I want to congratulate the City of Austin for its selection to host the Headquarters of the U.S. Army’s Futures Command. Austin reached out to San Antonio early in the process and proposed a partnership to pitch a mega-region to the Army. As Military City USA, we stand ready to support Austin and the Army Futures Command with our significant military resources, the second largest cyber footprint in the nation, strong academic institutions, world-class military medical facilities, and a diverse and growing economy.”