Opportunity Austin

The Austin region is shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Why? Because we foster talent, collaboration, and opportunity, creating an environment where careers flourish and industries thrive. Home to 171,000 university students and ranked among the top U.S. metros for labor force participation, the Austin region offers unparalleled access to a young, educated, and motivated workforce. Learn more about why Austin is a top destination for talent: https://hubs.la/Q02ZKZX20

Building Community, Driving Innovation: Hear from A-LIST Platinum Partner Sponsor, Capital Factory, about their mission to empower early-stage companies with the investment and resources needed to scale quickly. As Cyndi Schultz, VP of Sales, shares, Austin’s startup ecosystem and collaborative community make it the perfect place to grow groundbreaking ideas into global success stories. We’re proud to partner with organizations like Capital Factory that share our vision for fostering innovation and driving economic growth in the Austin region.

Located in the hill country on the shores of Lake Travis, Lago Vista is a testament to the Austin region’s quality of life. With top-rated schools, low crime rate, and abundant recreation—this growing community exemplifies why families and businesses choose the Austin region. Learn more about Lago Vista: https://hubs.la/Q02Zhf_V0

Caldwell County is gaining momentum as an emerging hub in the Austin region. With strategic access to SH-130 and I-35, its communities are attracting transformative investments that pave the way for future growth. Recent highlights include X-Bow Systems Inc. $25 million rocket manufacturing campus in Luling, one of the largest of its kind in the U.S., and Lockhart’s recent annexation into the Austin Community College District. This partnership opens doors to in-district tuition, expanded workforce training, and career development programs tailored to the needs of local residents and businesses. With growing industrial opportunities, infrastructure enhancements, and a focus on education and workforce development, Caldwell County is building a foundation for long-term economic resilience. Discover more: https://hubs.la/Q02ZgpM60

The Austin Region: Driving Economic Resilience and Tackling Affordability This fall’s Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Blitz provided a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities shaping our region’s economic future. Insights from 43 companies across 13 industries revealed growth in key sectors while highlighting ongoing priorities such as workforce availability and affordability. An overwhelming number of responses also cited Austin’s high quality of life and culture as top strengths, reinforcing our region’s appeal to both businesses and talent. At this week's wrap-up event, panelists dove into critical topics, discussing Austin’s housing market, inflation, and downtown affordability challenges. They explored how businesses, government, and community leaders can work together to sustain growth while addressing the pressures of a rapidly evolving market. Thank you to our investors, partners, and everyone who contributed to this effort. Your insights and collaboration are vital to shaping our strategies for a stronger, more resilient economy. Tiffany Krzan, Charisse Bodisch, CEcD, Dominic Padilla, LEED AP, Jenell Moffett, MBA, Rachel Thomas-Phillips, Taylor G Smith, George Blume

EnergyX Expands Headquarters in Austin: The Austin region strengthens its role as a global clean energy leader with the expansion of EnergyX’s headquarters. This milestone boosts our #cleantech ecosystem and reinforces Austin’s commitment to sustainability. Led by Founder and CEO Teague Egan ?, EnergyX is pioneering lithium extraction technologies, securing over 120 patents, and driving projects like Project Black Giant in Chile and Project Lonestar in the U.S. Ranked No. 1 for sustainability and the nation’s top cleantech hub, Austin offers the ideal environment for innovation. Thank you to Anthony Segura for commemorating this milestone with a proclamation celebrating EnergyX’s impact on our community and beyond. Welcome to the next chapter of innovation in Austin, EnergyX! Structure Tone, City of Austin

#RegionalWin: We’re thrilled to celebrate the expansion of US Foods in City of Buda, TX! This project will create 165 jobs and bring over $120 million in capital investment to the area. Supported by the Texas Enterprise Fund, this milestone underscores the strength of our region’s workforce, strategic location, and business-friendly environment. Congratulations to our partners at Buda Economic Development Corporation, Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership, and Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott for this significant achievement.

Austin added 22,500 jobs (1.7% growth) over the past year, ranking 14th among the top 50 metros. Growth was driven by construction and natural resources (5.3%), education and health services (3.2%), and other services (3.2%). Notably, jobs in professional and business services have rebounded over the past three months, adding 7,000 jobs—accounting for 27% of the overall growth. Austin’s unemployment rate remains competitive at 3.6% in October, outperforming both the state and national averages, underscoring the region’s strength as an economic leader. Read the full report here: https://hubs.la/Q02YRjXC0

The Austin region is shaping the future on a global scale. Why? Because we embrace fresh perspectives and foster collaboration across borders, creating an environment where groundbreaking ideas turn into global solutions. Ranked #6 in venture capital funding and #3 in per capita patents among major U.S. metros, Austin is a leader in innovation that resonates worldwide. Learn more about Austin’s role as a global innovation leader: https://hubs.la/Q02YCkkW0

Williamson County is rapidly transforming, with a 14.5% population increase since 2020 and over $9 billion in new real estate value this year alone. As Samsung’s Taylor facility expands with a $40 billion investment, the county is solidifying its position as a global hub for semiconductor innovation, creating thousands of jobs and driving economic momentum. Communities like Round Rock and Georgetown exemplify this growth, with Dell Technologies anchoring Round Rock’s tech sector and City of Georgetown recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Local leaders are prioritizing infrastructure, workforce training, and sustainable development to meet the demands of this unprecedented expansion while preserving the region’s unique character. Discover why Williamson County is at the heart of the Austin region’s success: https://hubs.la/Q02Yt0D_0