Austin, Texas (September 12, 2017) The following comment was released today by the Chamber from Ellen Wood, 2017 Chair of the Board, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce:

"We are deeply troubled by Council Member Pool raising questions that some would say cast doubt on Austin's integrity. The Austin City Council, acting on behalf of the citizens of Austin, executed an agreement in 2003 to develop The Domain. This agreement was voted on and approved. In 2008, Austin voters made it clear that integrity matters by affirming this agreement at the ballot box.

The Domain took an enormous financial risk in 2003 when the city really needed their support and assistance. They played by the rules and have delivered an enviable master planned community that many are calling our second downtown. The suggestion by a public official that we might seek now to break this agreement sends a dangerous message in and out of the region that Austin is not trustworthy. It’s not the right way to treat people. We gave our word. We call on the City Council to defend the integrity of Austin citizens.”

Background

In 2003, the Austin City Council voted on an agreement regarding the development of The Domain. Since then, The Domain has kept their end of the bargain and remains in compliance – the City should keep their word, too.

Now, Council Member Leslie Pool has publicly called for Austin to renege on its word. Keeping Austin's word means:

• Residents can trust that Council Members will honor the will of voters who told City Council to keep Austin's word in 2008.
• Companies will remain confident that they can enter into an agreement to grow jobs and not have the city renege on terms after investments are made.

Late yesterday, the Austin Chamber sent out an action alert to its members, alerting them that Council Member Pool is trying to renege on Austin's word. In the last several hours, more than 100 business leaders have reached out to City Council to ask them to uphold and maintain Austin's integrity.

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About the Greater Austin Chamber

The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce focuses on how the Austin Region works. We serve as the voice of business for 2,800 organizations representing a combined workforce of about 330,000 employees throughout Central Texas. Our mission is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous economy and effective advocacy for members. For more information, please visit AustinChamber.com.

Media Inquiries:
Luke Sheffield, Public Relations Manager
Austin Chamber of Commerce
512.322.5637
lsheffield@austinchamber.com