6th Annual East Austin Economic Summit

East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008 East Austin Economic Summit 2008

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Capital One Bank

PeopleFund hosted the 6th Annual East Austin Economic Summit on October 11th, 2008. The ACC Eastview Campus was bustling with small business owners, community members and non-profit and corporate representatives discussing the challenges and opportunities that face East Austin. Brian Kelsey began the day with the East Austin Economic Outlook: Building a Bridge to Prosperity, followed by interactive workshops and a community development survey that prompted lively conversation.

PeopleFund is excited to transform this Summit into a Conference on Economic Opportunity in 2009, as we begin to look at our role in the regional growth of Central Texas.

Notable Statistics:

  • 40% of East Austin residents age 25 or over have not graduated from high school, reflecting the critical need of comprehensive education reform and workforce development training.
  • In 1990 57% of homes had the same occupant(s) for at least 5 years; today that number is 34%, highlighting the rapidly changing demographics of this area.
  • There are at least 24 arts and entertainment establishments in East Austin, which account for approximately 300 jobs, $6.5 million in earnings, and $14 million in sales. The art community is a bedrock of East Austin, culturally and economically.
  • Of all the full-time workers in East Austin, only 6% also live there. 50% of workers in East Austin live outside Austin, reflecting the growing challenge of urban affordable housing and public transportation.

View the entire Economic Outlook Presentation

The results of the Community Development survey sparked active and thought-provoking discussion. Participants overwhelmingly believed that education, affordable housing and small business were the top 3 challenges to be addressed in East Austin. View the entire survey and its results.

Breakout Discussion Notes & Resource Guides

Couldn’t make it to the Summit or all the Breakout Discussions? Read further to find out what is being done to address the obstacles East Austin faces.