Some Stage Setting for the 2013-14 ENGAGE Breakfast Series

Guest post from ESSENTIAL 2010 alum and 2013-14 ENGAGE Advisory Committee member Chelsea McCullough.
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The 2013-14 ENGAGE Breakfast Series will begin this Wednesday, October 2. As in previous seasons. this year we will examine key topics with top community leaders in Austin and the surrounding areas. Before diving into each individual issue, we should first have a shared understanding of who we are as a region and how this can shape our conversations moving forward.

Central Texas is a dynamic place that is enjoying incredible growth and expansion. According to a recent analysis by Moody Analytics, economic growth in the Austin metropolitan region is expected to proceed at more than twice the national average through 2015. But our community extends beyond Austin and includes a six-county region of Travis, Williamson, Burnet, Hays, Bastrop, and Caldwell, each with their own unique benefits and challenges. Below are a few points of data that may be helpful in framing some of our ENGAGE conversations this year.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Texas State Data Center, CAPCOG

As you can see from the chart above, the Austin MSA is growing rapidly and the highest densities of that growth are in areas outside of the Austin city limits.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CAPCOG

Source: Central Texas State of the Region, CAPCOG

Of note on the above chart: the fastest growing portion of our population has the lowest levels of education.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

We'll present more information like this as the ENGAGE season continues, to provide some context for our discussions. In the meantime, we're looking forward to the new ENGAGE series launching this Wednesday with our panel on water and the impending "drought of record" for our region. Get your tickets here if you haven't already.

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Chelsea McCullough is Executive Director for Texans for Economic Progress and Principal at Intercambio.

April 2013 ENGAGE Wrap-Up

This month's ENGAGE breakfast looked at the growth and impact of the Hispanic population on Austin and Central Texas. Panelists discussed how this influx is far reaching in its influence on our community's economy, education, culture, and politics. Speakers included Perla Cavazos (Office of Texas State Senator Sylvia Garcia), Dr. Paul Cruz (Austin Independent School District), Mando Rayo (Cultural Strategies), and Geronimo Rodriguez (Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce). The panel was moderated by Sally Hernandez of KXAN-TV.

Panelists at the April 2013 ENGAGE breakfast

Below is the full podcast of the event, along with links to media coverage and resources from the discussion.

Audio Podcast

Download this audio file (MP3)

Subscribe to the Leadership Austin Podcast via iTunes

Media Coverage

• Impact News - Growing Hispanic population brings challenges, opportunity to Central Texas

List of Resources

• Austin Independent School District
• Cultural Strategies
• Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Office of Texas State Senator Sylvia Garcia

Our next ENGAGE breakfast will be Wednesday, May 1 when we will discuss housing in Central Texas. Click here for more details and ticket information.

We hope to see you there!

February 2013 ENGAGE Wrap-up

This month's ENGAGE breakfast explored the current landscape of education in Central Texas - from early childhood to higher education - and fostered a discussion about how our community can best address its problems, capitalize on its opportunities, and ensure positive results at all levels. The panel included Susan Dawson (E3 Alliance), Vincent Torres (AISD Board of Trustees), Denise Trauth (Texas State University), and Ed Vara (Education Service Center Region 13). KXAN-TV education reporter Erin Cargill moderated the discussion.

February 2013 ENGAGE panelists at the Long Center

Below is the full podcast of the event, along with links to media coverage and resources from the discussion.

Audio Podcast

Download this audio file (MP3)

Subscribe to the Leadership Austin Podcast via iTunes

Media Coverage

• Impact News - Engage panelists speak on challenges in Austin's education system

List of Resources

• Panelist Susan Dawson's recent post on the state of Central Texas education
• Panelist Denise Trauth's recent post on college access and affordability
• AISD Board of Trustees
• E3 Alliance
• Education Service Center Region 13
• Missing School Matters
• Texas State University Office of the President

Our next ENGAGE breakfast will be Wednesday, March 6 when we will take a look at public safety in Central Texas. Click here for more details and ticket information.

We hope to see you there!

Education: Good, Bad or Ugly?

Guest post from ESSENTIAL Class of 1992 graduate Susan Dawson.
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When I ask audiences what adjective they use to describe the state of education, I tend to get responses like “tragic”, “urgent” or “grim.” Yet the reality is that, for almost every measure you can use, for almost any group of students, we have improved outcomes over the years. That’s true both in Central Texas and across the state as a whole. Really.

So, how can it be that greater numbers of children are achieving greater education success yet our views of education are generally so negative? Because:

1. Our expectations are (and should be) much higher. It used to be “ok” to mask lower performance of our poor and minority kids in the averages and pretend they weren’t dropping out. After all, there were plenty of decent jobs that you could get without even a high school diploma. Today it’s almost impossible for anyone to get a living wage job without some post-secondary education.
2. While our student outcomes are getting better, we’re rapidly losing ground against other nations in today’s global economy. In fact, international comparisons put us between 21st and 25th out of 29 industrialized nations in math, science, and problem solving. And the skills gap between where our students are versus the skills needed for future jobs is even greater than our competitive gap versus other countries.

Incremental change isn’t enough - instead we need systems change, at scale. No one school or college or district or nonprofit can do this alone. That’s why, in Central Texas, we have undertaken data-driven, cross-sector systems alignment in education - what many people are now calling “collective impact.”

What does this model - this way of creating different outcomes in education - entail?

• Using objective data - rather than emotion or preconceived ideas - to make better decisions and drive action
• Working regionally, across the entire cradle-to-career continuum, rather than looking for one “silver bullet” solution
• Sharing practices across institutions and organizations who have not traditionally been measured and rewarded for this
• Having a common agenda, based on shared metrics and targets, for the future we want to create
• Building cross-sector, public/private partnerships to find the best solutions for our community
• Investing in the long haul. It will take time to see the systems change needed for all our children to meet the expectations of our 21st Century world.

Does it work? Absolutely. Just a few quick examples:

1. Working together, 11 school districts, four institutions of higher education, and 10 community and industry partners have strengthened the STEM pipeline of students, with results that we believe are unprecedented in the nation. In just five years, we increased the number of students in focused secondary engineering and technology classes from 1,493 to 6,373 - growth of 430%! A ground-breaking longitudinal study by E3 Alliance showed that these students perform at higher levels and are enrolling in college in higher numbers than their matched peers. And the pipeline is far more diverse, with low income, Hispanic, and female students growing at 1.5 to 2X the overall growth rate!
2. Central Texas created the first student-centered, multi-domain standard for school readiness at Kindergarten in the history of the state. Based on this, we have completed multiple years of a comprehensive Kindergarten Readiness Study to determine how ready our students are for school and what factors are associated with their being ready. This study has been used by districts and legislators to support greater focus on early childhood education.
3. We launched Missing School Matters  - a regional campaign to increase student attendance, with a goal of returning $34M in funding to area school districts. 35 Central Texas schools participated in a national attendance challenge - more than any other region in the country - and Stony Point High School in Round Rock was named the national winner! Our entire community can help in this effort. For ways to get involved see www.MissingSchoolMatters.org.

Incremental change is not enough for all of our students to succeed and our economic future to prosper. But by working collaboratively with an ambitious end in mind, we can and are creating real systems change.

Susan Dawson is President and Executive Director at E3 Alliance, a regional, data-driven education collaborative based in Austin, Texas.

College Access and Affordability: CultureMap Editorial Series Continued

Leadership Austin is partnering with CultureMap Austin on an on-going series of editorial columns meant to inform Austinites about issues facing our city.

Today's column is from February 2013 ENGAGE panelist Denise M. Trauth on college access and affordability in Texas. Dr. Trauth is President of Texas State University and is very active both in civic projects in Central Texas and in higher education organizations on the state and national levels. Head over to CultureMap to read the full post.

Why college access, affordability and success are key to Texas economy

NOTE: The opinions of Leadership Austin alumni and faculty members are their own, and do not represent an official position of the organization.

January 2013 ENGAGE Wrap-up

This month's ENGAGE breakfast looked at Austin's job creation and the workforce in Central Texas. Guest blogger Thom Singer (ESSENTIAL 2008) provided a complete recap on his blog Some Assembly Required. Here's a snippet:

However, our boom-town does have challenges. Too many high school students are dropping out or not pursuing advanced education. This means they are forfeiting the opportunities that are abundant in the area for skilled workers. We need to do more to expose young people to opportunities. We have too many available technology related jobs (over 2000 unfilled), while every service job posted receives 55 applications.

Austin continues to top all the lists (and has for the 21 years that I have lived in the community). Yes, part of the reason we do so well is our wonderful landscape, weather, recreation, etc... But the economic leadership that makes us the envy of cities across the world is not an accident.

Read more

Below is the full podcast of the event, along with links to media coverage and resources from the discussion.

January 2013 ENGAGE breakfast at the Long Center

Audio Podcast

Download this audio file (MP3)

Subscribe to the Leadership Austin Podcast via iTunes

Media Coverage

• KXAN - Austin tech firms eye next generation
• Impact News - Panelists at Engage Breakfast discuss job growth

List of Resources

• National Instruments - Enhancing Engineering and Science Education
• Opportunity Austin 3.0
• Texas Entrepreneur Networks
• Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board

Our next ENGAGE breakfast will be Tuesday, February 5 when we will take a look at education in Central Texas. Click here for more details and ticket information.

We hope to see you there!

October 2012 ESSENTIAL Class Day Takeaways

Guest post from ESSENTIAL Class of 2013 participant Kathy Green. Here Kathy reflects on the presentation on Austin's demographics by City Demographer Ryan Robinson, and the Economic Forecast for Central Texas provided by Jon Roberts of TIP Strategies, at the October 17 ESSENTIAL Class Day.
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On the screen in front of me - in bold colors and graphs - was a story I already knew. A story that gets replayed daily in our pantries and soup kitchen and the shelters we serve at the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB). On a daily basis, the population we see are mostly people of color and many families with children. And their numbers haven’t decreased since the Great Recession.

Hunger is the condition we treat at CAFB, and is a symptom of poverty - the chronic illness we face in Central Texas. In advocating for these neighbors, I often struggle with where our mission should lie at the food bank - are we here to simply feed the hungry, or are we here to end hunger? I would argue it is both.

As leaders in our community, our ESSENTIAL Class can affect both. The first is ensuring our neighbors have consistent access to healthy food - no matter in which color block on that map they live. Tackling the latter is much more challenging, but still doable.

Being a leader in Austin means doing what we can to ensure that families all across our city have the same opportunities, and their children have a positive future. Children have little choice in their family situation or environment, and the ramifications of growing up poor are grave. A low-income child is often a hungry child, a sick child, a truant child, and a delinquent child. The parents of these children love them as much as we love ours, but often have neither the time nor resources to change outcomes.

The human service agencies like ours across Austin do what we can to help change these outcomes, but we cannot do it alone. It will take the leadership of all of us - in resources (both financial and volunteer), in partnerships, and in political will - to make it happen. It means access to solid education and training so everyone can make a livable wage. It means quality healthcare, and yes, preventative healthcare measures such as safe and clean parks and soccer fields so our kids can run and play. It means a strong economy - all over the city. It means going outside our comfort zone to tackle the hard issues. It means recognizing that a city divided among income, race, and culture is destined to fail.

I am thrilled we have the opportunity.

Kathy Green is Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas.

May 2012 Engage - Forecasting Austin's Economy and Entrepreneurial Scene

Guest post from Essential Class of 2008 graduate Thom Singer. Read this and other posts from Thom at his blog Some Assembly Required.
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The May 2012 Leadership Austin Engage breakfast was the final in the 2011-12 series, and they ended the year with a BANG.

Economic Forecast: Austin's Challenges and Opportunities

Austin’s economy is as eclectic as its people - driven by major employers, thriving universities, and thousands of small businesses. What are Austin’s current opportunities and real-time economic challenges? How are we attracting new businesses to Austin, and what are we doing to “grow our own?” Recent forecasts indicate that we continue to fare comparatively well, but what are we doing to create long-term viability? Can the “magic” of Austin sustain us in the boom to come?

The panel attacked these topics in their discussion with the sold out crowd and reminded everyone that Austin is the place to be in 2012 and beyond.

Panelists Bijoy Goswami, Angelos Angelou, and Tim Crowley

Panelists:

• Angelos Angelou - Principal Executive Officer, Angelou Economics
• Tim Crowley - Regional President, Frost Bank; Opportunity Austin
• Bijoy Goswami - Founder, Bootstrap Austin; Co-founder, ATXEquation

Below are some nuggets shared by the panel:

• Not all cities have a unique "vibe," but Austin's has clearly become "Be Yourself." This moniker rings true for people, companies, organizations, festivals, etc... If our city is anything, it is unique and this is attracting interesting and creative people to Central Texas.
• Austin' economy is doing well. Over 22,000 jobs were created last year (the most of any city of comparable size), and all area of business - except construction - are showing positive growth.
• The Texas capital is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, and that is not only championed by those who live here, but also those who have come to visit. There are many cities where businesses can thrive, but no other place in the country has the mix of business and fun that permeates Austin. Other cities have "things to do," but there is always something special to do in Austin.
• The entrepreneurial spirit has existed for many years, but only in the past two or three years has there been an explosion of infrastructure for those who want to start something new. Dozens of organizations have been created to expose people to the social capital side of things. Beyond just money (Austin is on track for nearly $1 Billion in venture capital investment this year), there is a tendency for people to share ideas and assist others in bringing their ideas to reality.
• The population of Austin has doubled every 20 years since 1900, and there is no sign of that slowing down. The city fathers of decades ago adopted an "if we don't build it... they wont come" philosophy, but the people came anyway. Today we are plagued with transportation issues that need to be addressed, because as more people arrive these issues just get worse.
• The city, Chamber of Commerce and other economic development organizations are attracting new employers (Apple's new campus is in the news this week), but are also working on retention and helping local companies expand. We cannot lose sight of both sides of this coin, but cannot let the arguments over tax abatement keep Apple (and others) from coming here. Their success will bring jobs and taxes to Austin, and a smaller percent of that success is better than zero. Large companies make their decisions to locate in an area based on several criteria and losing these jobs to places like Phoenix is bad for everyone.
• We must avoid falling prey to the continuing comparisons to Silicon Valley, as the history of the San Jose area is unique and cannot be replicated. But Austin is also unique and we should embrace our own "story" and stop being concerned with how we are "like" the Silicon Valley.
• There is also the need to get beyond the focus on technology companies. We need diversity in employers as we do have other business areas that are expanding (including hospitality, business services, medical devices and others). With nearly 1/3 of high school graduates in Central Texas not going to four year colleges, we need to be looking to create jobs for these residents as well. While the high paying, creative class jobs are important, we cannot forget those who do not have college degrees.
• The outlook for Austin continues to be strong. The inventory of houses for sale is low, and that should spur an uptick in construction very soon. The advice to all was "if you don't own a house, buy one soon!"
• The "Be Yourself" culture of Austin will continue to serve our community well.  It will attract employers, creative genius, and the national spot light.  Beyond that, it makes Austin a great place to live, work and play.

Thank you to Bijoy, Tim and Angelos (and moderator Robert Hadlock from KXAN) for a thought-provoking and informative discussion.

I appreciate Leadership Austin for the continuing conversations they bring to the Austin Community.  The Engage Speaker Series will kick off again in September 2012.

If you are not an alumni of the Leadership Austin Essential Class, they are currently accepting applications for the Class of 2013. I am a graduate of the Essential Class of 2008... and I can assure you it is one of the best programs I have ever participated in. Find more information at www.leadershipaustin.org.

Have A Great Day.
thom singer

Audio Podcast:

Download this audio file (MP3)

Subscribe to the Leadership Austin Podcast via iTunes

February 2012 Engage - Major Events and Their Impact

Compiled by Jeff Olmeda, Rick L'Amie and Marie-Claire Topper
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Austin has been bitten by the festival fever bug and we like it. That was the consensus of the interactive audience poll conducted during this morning's Engage breakfast - part of our ongoing ATXpansion series. The topic focused on major events (from SXSW to the ACL Music Festival and more) and their impact. Austin has become a destination for many top-drawing festivals and conferences that not only shape the city, but also reflect its character. What's more, 50 percent of attendees participating in the live poll said that Austin could use more major events for their economic and quality of life benefits.

February 2012 Engage Panelists (from left to right): Hugh Forrest, SXSW Interactive;
Jon Roberts, TIP Strategies; Lisa Hickey, C3 Presents; Geoff Moore, Circuit of
the Americas; and moderator Shannon Wolfson, KXAN News

UPDATE I: Some sample "soundbites" from our panelists:

• Hugh Forest - Event Director, SXSW Interactive Festival
  SXSW generated $167 million in 2011. We actually increased badge prices for Interactive part to scare people away... but people still come to Interactive. People love a scarce commodity. This is what makes a festival successful. We try to incorporate the community by having free shows, and there are also "spinoff" events to be a part of the festival.
• Jon Roberts - Principal, TIP Strategies
  We can sustain more events in Austin. That's what it means to be an international city. We are never disappointed in Austin. There is always something to do every night because we are international.
• Lisa Hickey - Festival Marketing Director, C3 Presents
  ACL is successful because it infuses Austin's culture. Approximately 60 percent of attendees are from Austin, 23 percent are outside of Texas, and two percent are international. ACL has contributed around $4 million to local charity organizations.
• Geoff Moore - Chief Sales Marketing Officer, Circuit of the Americas
  On opening day, F1 is expecting one third [of the attendees to come from] Texas, one-third from elsewhere in the U.S., and one third international. F1 is trying to build something great. The market determines the pricing.

You can listen to the full conversation in our podcast below, but we'd like to hear from you as well. Do you agree with the attendees who say Austin should have more events? Do the the economic and quality of life benefits outweigh the negatives addressed today such as traffic, lack of hotel space, and rising ticket prices? What thoughts or concerns do you have about festivals and their impact? Leave a comment below and let us know!

As always, many thanks to our presenting sponsor Capital One Bank and special thanks to our program partners - The Long Center for the Performing Arts, KXAN News, Sterling Affairs Catering and Events - and our mobile technology partner 44Doors.

UPDATE II:: Media and blog coverage of the breakfast:

• Blogger Thom Singer: Some Assembly Required
• Community Impact News Event Recap

References from the discussion:

• ACL Music Festival
• Circuit of the Americas
• SXSW
• TIP Strategies
• The Austin Equation

Audio:

Download this audio file (MP3)

Subscribe to the Leadership Austin Podcast via iTunes

Live polling results:

Mouse over the pie charts below for more information on each of the responses.

January 2012 Engage - Water Use and Management

Expert panelists shared some sobering but thoughtful insights on water use and management at today's Engage Speaker Series breakfast at the Long Center. If you missed this important discussion, the audio podcast is below along with references from the discussion and the results of our live audience polling.

January Engage breakfast at the Long Center

What can you do to get engaged in the conversations and solutions surrounding water in Central Texas? Here are some suggestions from the panel:

• Becky Motal - General Manager, LCRA
  We have to develop new supplies and better conjunctive uses of water. Become leaders and help develop new water supplies so the State of Texas can remain a healthy economic engine.
• Laura Huffman - Texas State Director, The Nature Conservancy
  1) Manage existing supplies - the state water plan is our strategy to do that, but it needs funding; 2) Be really careful about protecting water quality in a drought situation; 3) Develop creative partnerships with corporations on water conservation commitments; 4) Help champion the need to create a standing, statewide consortium on this issue.
• Carlos Rubinstein - Commissioner, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
  More people have to recognize that the drought affects them personally. Every drop is precious. Every one of us needs to realize that we can't grow the economy without water. We need to fund the strategies that are already in place.
• Greg Meszaros - Director, City of Austin Water Utility
  Educate yourself. Expect to see water funding increase in the future and realize that it will take a long time to make these changes. Be innovative. Consider the wise use and reuse of water.

Thanks to KXAN's Jim Spencer for being our moderator this morning. Be sure to check out KXAN.com's ATXpansion section for more on this and other important community issues. UPDATE: Watch the KXAN News story below.

Thank you as well to our presenting sponsor, Capital One Bank, and special thanks to our program partners - The Long Center for the Performing Arts, KXAN News, Sterling Affairs Catering and Events - and our mobile technology partner 44Doors.

Attendees using the live polling technology from 44Doors

What did you think of the discussion? What are your plans for addressing this issue personally? Leave a comment and let us know!

References from the discussion:

• City of Austin Water Utility
• LCRA
• The Nature Conservancy
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
• 2012 State of Texas Water Plan

Images:
Visit our Facebook page for images from the breakfast.

Audio:

Download this audio file (MP3)

Subscribe to the Leadership Austin Podcast via iTunes

Live polling results:

We asked the audience to indicate the level of importance

they place on the following statements:

Statement 1: The drought's impact on my personal water use.

Statement 2: The drought's impact on property values.

Statement 3: The drought's impact on recreational activities.

Statement 4: The drought's impact on agriculture.

October 2011 Essential Class - A Crash Course in Austin's Plan

Guest post from Essential Class of 2012 participant Monica M. Williams. The October 2011 class day theme was "Demographics and Growth: Creating a Baseline."
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Our first Essential Class day hit me in the middle of the busiest week of the year for the Austin Community Foundation, where I'm Communications Director. But considering the content of that day, maybe the fact that I was already running at a breakneck pace was for the best.

Because in a way I probably was more prepared for PowerPoint presentations that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Who knew +40 page slide shows could be so riveting? And yet the presentations from Ryan Robinson and Jon Roberts were just that.

Robinson, the City of Austin's demographer, also happens to be a born-and-raised Austinite. His presentation of the top-ten demographic trends in Austin showed that he loves the city and he loves his work. Roberts, an economist, used his expertise to help us connect the dots, too. His presentation about the future of Austin's economy was no less than thrilling - and I hated economics in college. Together, it was a one-two punch of some pretty heavy stuff.

So first we got the city's data, then we got the city's plan.

In the afternoon, we heard from Imagine Austin about the city's comprehensive plan. There were some disconnects and lots of questions. Overall the effect of the day's presentations was a little like Charlie's tour of the chocolate factory.

Based on the information I have now, I have come to a few conclusions that are probably premature, uninformed and way too simple. (Maybe I'm taking this too personally?) Here they are:

1. The way we talk about racial inequality in Austin needs to change. In the nonprofit sector, where I work, we talk about diversity. Clearly, according to Robinson's presentation, we are a diverse city.
   
   It's time for us to talk about integration.
   
   Now I for one hate both of those words. They sound archaic and forced, corporate and nebulous. In my gut it feels like we're all at the eighth-grade dance and no one wants to be the first to make a move.
   
   But I'm a Mexican-American who's used to being one of the few - if not the only - Hispanic at every job I've ever had. Trust me, it's only as scary as we make it. In about 15 years, we're all going to have Hispanics in our family (by marriage) anyway, so it will be less of an issue. In the meantime, let's dance!
   
   
2. What's good for the Austin economy ignores the population that's growing the fastest in Austin: poor Hispanics.
   
   Roberts described a steep decline in manufacturing jobs across the country and how Austin's economic growth has been tied to its ability to create an "ecosystem for innovation." He concluded that Austin's growth opportunities for the next decade include international tourism, a medical school and more corporate headquarters.
   
   But Robinson had just told us that the gap between the have and have-nots was increasing. That the fastest-growing population is mostly poor and undereducated Hispanics. Is it the destiny of the city to become a bunch of janitors at hotels catering to F-1 fans and SXSW geeks? (Sorry. I can get overly dramatic.)
   
   
3. Sustainability is the "central policy direction" of the Imagine Austin plan, but I wish that word hadn't been co-opted by environmentalists. Because it's a fitting word, but it implies that we should focus our efforts on the planet over people.
   
   My impression from the day's information is that most of our policy direction should be in growing Austin's middle class, particularly by providing mentoring, education and training ladders for our growing, young Hispanic population.
   
   This could resolve many of our current issues, including the racial divide, the economic gaps, and public-education shortcomings. And it's less about "helping the less fortunate" than it is about investing in one of our natural resources - people.

Robinson talked about the new, growing barrios in Austin and how they can either be a toehold for Hispanics to step into middle class or a trap. We already have them in a trap. Are we going to let that happen again?

Monica M. Williams is Communications Director at the Austin Community Foundation and Editor-in-Chief at GivingCity Austin Magazine.

fastforward 2010 - Richard Florida Keynote

The 2010 fastforward Issues Forum concluded with "The Upside of the Downturn," a keynote address by international best selling author (The Rise of the Creative Class, The Great Reset), professor, and thought-leader Richard Florida. Mr. Florida was introduced by his colleague, Texas State Senator and Leadership Austin Essential Class alum Senator Kirk Watson.

More from Richard Florida at fastforward 2010:

• Interview with KXAN News
• Interview with the Austin Business Journal

fastforward 2010 - Session III: The New Regionalism

Moderator Jon Roberts (TIP Strategies, Inc.) led the distinguished panel - Tom Mason (LCRA), Charles Heimsath (Capitol Market Research), Todd Hemingson (Capital Metro), Sean Compton (Congress for the New Urbanism), Jesus Garza (Seton Family of Hospitals), and Bill Glavin (TxDOT) - in an interesting look at regional planning issues that confront Central Texas governments, agencies, businesses, and non-profits as all emerge from the economic recession.

Session III Moderator John Roberts

Especially pertinent were discussions of ways to accomodate physical growth (both in terms of population and land consumption) in smart, enivronmentally sustainable, and socially equitable ways by making wise public and private investment in infrastructure and indeed all of the built environment.

References from the discussion:

• Jon Roberts presentation (PDF)
• Charles Heimsath presentation (PDF)
• Todd Hemingson presentation (PDF)
• Sean Compton presentation (PDF)
• Bill Glavin presentation (PDF)

Audio:

• Part 1 of 2: Tom Mason, Charles Heimsath, Todd Hemingson, and Sean Compton

• Part 2 of 2: Jesus Garza, Bill Glavin, and Q&A

Download these audio files: Part 1 | Part 2

Subscribe to the Leadership Austin Podcast via iTunes

Live polling results:

fastforward 2010 - Session II: Emerging Technologies

Moderator Jeff Clark (TechAmerica) introduced the second panel with an overview of why and how emerging technology will continue to be an important engine for the Central Texas economy. Brewster McCracken (Pecan Street Project) outlined the challenges regarding electricity generation and energy efficiency, and how to take advantage of the opportunities of distributed generation, home automation, and a smart grid. Mitch Jacobson (ATI: Clean Energy Incubator) discussed his group's efforts to nurture nascent companies from concept to commercialization, and sometimes on to initial public offering.

Session II Panel

Dr. Timothy George (Pediatric Neurosurgery Center of Central Texas) talked about the ethical dilemma's facing doctors and scientific researchers, and the need to change thinking toward pathology and treatment. Finally, Paul Robbins (Austin Environmental Directory) advocated for various clean, green and sustainable energy policies to keep pace with California's progressive efforts.

References from the discussion:

• Brewster McCracken presentation (PDF)
• Paul Robbins presentation (PDF)

Audio:

Download this audio file (MP3)

Subscribe to the Leadership Austin Podcast via iTunes

Live polling results:

fastforward 2010 - Session I: Buying Habits and Their Impact

Derek Woodgate (The Futures Lab, Inc.) opened the forum with an overview of the day's theme - Rising from Recession: Central Texas Stong and Sustainable. Moderator Sue Snyder (Jackson Walker LLP) introduced panelists Pike Powers (Civic Entrepreneur), Amy Holloway (Avalanche Consulting), and Matt Curtis (Office of Mayor Lee Leffingwell). Mr. Woodgate rounded out the panel as they gave the audience insight into how Austin can be poised and ready for the emerging trends in small business development, innovation, bundling technologies, radical collaborations, and entrepenurial ventures.

Session I Panel

All panelists emphasized environmental sustainability as a priority for growth. The other recurring theme was that place matters, and Austin needs to continue to direct resources to ensure that it attracts the best and brightest people.

References from the discussion:

• Derek Woodgate presentation (PDF)
• Amy Holloway presentation (PDF)
• Matt Curtis presentation (PDF)

Audio:

• Part 1 of 2: Derek Woodgate overview, Amy Holloway, and Pike Powers

• Part 2 of 2: Matt Curtis, Derek Woodgate, and Q&A

Download these audio files (MP3): Part 1 | Part 2

Subscribe to the Leadership Austin Podcast via iTunes

Live polling results:

October 2010 Engage - Innovate or Else

The more we strive to keep Austin "Austin," the more growth we see and the more we change. Is Austin truly "recession proof," and if so, why? How can we innovate across industries and cultivate the leaders who will take us lucratively into the future? What are the characteristics unique to Central Texas that must be maximized for our continued success?

Robin Rather and Pike Powers

Speakers:

• Pike Powers – Civic Entrepreneur
• Robin Rather – CEO, Collective Strength
• Moderated by Jim Walker – Director of Sustainability, The University of Texas at Austin

References from the discussion:

• Follow-up note from Robin Rather to attendees (PDF)
• Collective Strength
• The Green Collar Economy, by Van Jones
• Water Sustainability info from the NRDC
• Cool the Earth, Save the Economy
• Change by Design, by Tim Brown
• Pike Powers recommended book list 2010 (PDF)
• Businessweek: Utah Incubator Hatches Student Startups
• Businessweek: Speed Dial with Warren Bennis
• car2go

Audio:

Download this audio file (MP3)

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February 2010 Engage - Our Economy

Although Texas has fared better than much of the country in the recent economic crisis, what corners do we need to turn to truly be in recovery? What are we doing to ensure the future health of our economy and what are the industries where we expect to see the most growth?

Brian Kelsey and Michael Brandl

Speakers:

• Michael W. Brandl, Ph.D. – Senior Lecturer in Economics and Finance, The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business
• Brian Kelsey – Director of Community and Economic Development, Capital Area Council of Governments
• Moderated by Jim Walker – Director of Sustainability, The University of Texas at Austin

References from the discussion:

• The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business
• Capital Area Council of Governments
• Brian Kelsey's handout - Central Texas 2040 (PDF)

Audio:

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February 2009 Engage - Emerging Economies

In the past few years Austin has witnessed - and continues to experience - a modern day entertainment boom, with a tripling of restaurants and clubs, multiple micro-districts (SoCo, The Triangle, the Warehouse District), etc. Former “glamour” industries like film, music, and art are being joined by food, fashion, and nightlife. With the rise of this creative class, to what extent are these forces viable and sustainable micro-economies that will support Austin through the downturn and beyond? What are the genuine economic factors that affect these micro-economies and, in turn, what can Central Texans do to support them – beyond going out at night?

John Hockenyos, Michael Barnes, and Jim Walker

Speakers:

• Michael Barnes – Social Columnist, Austin American-Statesman
• Jon Hockenyos – President, TXP
• Moderated by Jim Walker – Executive Director, Central Texas Sustainability Indicators Project

References from the discussion:

• Austin American-Statesman
• TXP
• Central Texas Sustainability Indicators Project
• Create Austin: Austin's cultural community plan
• Michael Barnes's 'Out and About" blog event reacp

Audio:

Download this audio file (MP3)

Subscribe to the Leadership Austin Podcast via iTunes