Economic Development Resolution

[Colleen Pate]

Council Members:

I’m introducing an IFC, together with the Mayor Pro Tem and Council Members Alter, Qadri, and Ellis, that comprehensively lays out an active, progressive economic development policy for the City of Austin.

A deliberate, equitable, and sustainable economy is the foundation on which Austin funds everything it cares about. We face a new fiscal and competitive reality. Austin needs to re-establish itself as a full, active, and strategically intentional economic development actor, shaping opportunities and not just reacting to them. Without this, we cannot assure an ability to fund those things we value—parks and libraries, housing programs, the social safety net, health care, climate investments, workforce pipelines, arts and culture, and all of the things that make living in Austin enjoyable, equitable, and worth fighting for.

I’ve attached my proposed resolution. It includes an Exhibit A of Findings and Predicates. Thank you for your consideration and input. I look forward to working with you on this initiative to better secure Austin’s future.

http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 142218.pdf

http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 142243.pdf

This item has been submitted to the agenda office for Council consideration on May 7, 2026.

Kirk

On behalf of Mayor Watson

[Colleen Pate]

Item 24 on next Thursday’s agenda is a proposal for a City of Austin economic development program.

Today, I published a Watson Wire about the proposal. I hope you’ll take time to read it.
https://mailchi.mp/a2a3efccd216/watson- ... our-values

Thanks to those who have signed on to the proposal and to all of you for your hard work.

Kirk

On behalf of Mayor Watson