The City of Austin's Economic Development Department supports and recruits creatives, non-profits, and businesses to Austin through all divisions. The Department includes six dynamic, collaborative teams: Cultural Arts, Global Business Expansion, Heritage Tourism, Music & Entertainment, Redevelopment, and Small Business. These teams work together to ensure all Austinites have access to economic opportunities and cultural amenities. 

Our mission is to promote a competitive, sustainable and equitable economy for all.

Reflecting on our economic development efforts in 2022, I am proud of the continued support to create balanced communities in Austin. We remained focused on strategic programming that resulted in growth and retention of small, local businesses while reimagining how we equitably fund our creative industries. We celebrated critical milestones to bring long-term projects to fruition that will expand opportunity for Austin neighborhoods. While you read through our 2022 Annual Report, we hope you notice how interconnected our work is and see how this work positively impacts your own life here in Austin.

- Sylnovia Holt-Rabb

Provides programs and initiatives integrating arts into economic development, tourism, community development, and commercial neighborhood revitalization strategies. Highlights: Cultural Funding Program, African American Cultural and Heritage Facility, UNESCO City of Media Arts 

Increases jobs and investment in Austin with programs that support business expansion and attraction. Highlights: International Business Development, Business Expansion Support & Funding

Programs aimed to attract tourists by preserving historic buildings, sites, and districts. Highlights: Historic Preservation Grants, Heritage Tourism Wayfinding Signage

Programs that support Austin’s venues, commercial music businesses, and musicians. Highlights: Creative Space Assistance Program, Film Production Support, Live Music Fund

Facilitates innovative partnerships and projects to re-invigorate Austin neighborhoods and commercial districts. Highlights: Mueller, Seaholm, Colony Park, Red River Cultural District, Souly Districts

Provides help to small business owners and people who want to start a small business by offering business training, educational events, and coaching. Highlights: Classes, One-On-One Coaching, Loan Programs

The Economic Development Department creates pathways of opportunity for all Austinites. The 2022 programming highlights demonstrate the critical contributions to create and retain jobs; to amplify creative industries supporting Austin’s vibrant identity; and to build equitable, accessible, and affordable communities throughout the city. When you meet with these teams or reach out for help, you can feel the dedication they have for this work. In this report, you will see the incredible outcomes of community members that engaged with the programs and services of the Economic Development Department.