Item 2: Austin Economic Development Presentation — original pdf

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Workforce Development & Childcare Update Ann Eaton, Assistant Director Austin Economic Development | May 19, 2026 Austin’s Employment and Economic Growth  Austin MSA: 2.5 million people  Projection: 4.6 million people by 2060  Regional Labor Force: 1.2 million  Key growth drivers: Migration, job creation, education, and innovation  Growth concentrating along jobs, mobility, and infrastructure corridors City of Austin Employment Projections, 2020-2060 1,010,007 1,128,223 1,203,284 1,245,703 655,190 722,772 576,193 s b o J f o # 1,400,000 1,200,000 1,000,000 800,000 600,000 400,000 200,000 - 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 2055 Actual LODES Employment Projected Employment 2060 Year 2 What’s Different About 2026 A strong economy facing new constraints:  Tight labor market  Rising affordability pressures  Small business sustainability challenges  Infrastructure and timing gaps  Growth is no longer the challenge; managing its impacts is. 3 Austin’s Enduring Advantage Talent, innovation, and a diversified economy  52% of workers hold a post-secondary degree  Median age: 35  20% foreign-born workforce  $4.5B in venture capital investment (2024)  Strength across advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, life sciences, clean tech, and creative industries. 4 The Risk Ahead When growth outpaces affordability, retention suffers  Workforce participation tied to housing and childcare access  Employers competing for talent in a tight labor market  Economic momentum depends on keeping workers and small businesses rooted in Austin 5 Our 2026 Focus  Economic Development Roadmap  Workforce Development Investment o Infrastructure Academy o Workforce Development Solicitation  High-Quality Childcare Access  Small Business Resilience o New Access to Capital Programs  Attracting New Business o Welcome new businesses to Austin that will benefit our local workforce. 6 Workforce Development & Child Care The Workforce Development & Child Care Division strengthens Austin’s workforce by providing readiness and training, employment pathways, and childcare support. Workgroups include: • Youth Initiatives Programs: Equips young residents with job skills, career pathways, and mentorship. • Day Labor: Connects workers with short-term employment and job readiness support. • Workforce & Childcare Contracts: Expands access to jobs and childcare services through City partnerships. • Community Technology: Enhances digital literacy and tech access for workforce readiness. Key programs include: • Home Grown Network for Home-Based Providers • City-Supported Childcare Facilities • Austin Youth Council, High School Internships • Grant for Tech Opportunities Program (GTOPs) • High-Quality Childcare Fee Waiver Program (In Development) 7 Reaching Spanish-Speaking Communities Current Departmental Efforts  Bilingual Communications: English and Spanish program materials and communications are developed to improve accessibility and awareness among Spanish-speaking Austinites.  Digital Literacy & Navigation Support: Community Technology provides bilingual digital literacy classes and Digital Navigator support to help residents access devices, internet connectivity, online services, and workforce resources.  Language Access Support: Spanish-speaking staff, interpreters, and community partners are available to assist residents and help reduce language barriers when engaging with City programs and services.  Multilingual Outreach Campaigns: Programs are promoted in Spanish through social media, newsletters, radio, television, and community events to help reach broader audiences across Austin.  Community Partnerships: AED collaborates with nonprofits, schools, workforce organizations, and community-based organizations to amplify opportunities directly within neighborhoods and historically underserved communities.  Cross-Departmental Amplification: English and Spanish marketing materials are shared with internal departments, Mayor & Council Offices, Boards & Commissions, and external partners, when applicable, with requests to further amplify opportunities through their communication channels. 8 Thank you! Scan the QR Code or visit our website to connect with us: austintexas.gov/EDD 9