Texas 88th Legislative Session Wrap Up

Jun 7, 2023

The 88th legislative session has ended, and staff and partners have spent countless hours at the Capitol over the last few months working to make sure legislation that would help the Austin region was successful.

Chamber & Opportunity Austin Host Luncheon with Governor Greg Abbott

Mar 23, 2023

On Wednesday, March 22 the Austin Chamber and Opportunity Austin hosted a State of the State luncheon with Governor Greg Abbott, who shared his priorities for the Texas Legislature. The event was open to Austin Chamber Board Members and Chairman's Circle Members, Opportunity Austin Board Members and lead investors, and our regional partners.

Staff and Opportunity Austin Investors Meet with Companies in First-Ever Business Retention Event

Mar 13, 2023

We held our first-ever Business Retention Blitz on February 21 and 22. We had seven teams; each team had an OA staff person and two OA lead investors, meeting with companies representing a diverse set of industry sectors.

Economic Development Update from the Texas Legislature

Mar 3, 2023

Preserving the state's ability to be competitive in recruiting new businesses has taken center stage in recent weeks at the Texas Capitol. Speaker Dade Phelan announced on Tuesday, February 28 his next set of priorities that includes a series of bills under the title “Defending the Texas Miracle.” Within this new set of priorities is House Bill 5, the Texas Jobs & Security Act.

Chapter 313 agreement should get AISD's OK

Dec 15, 2022

The Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote today on a proposed Chapter 313 agreement with NXP Semiconductors that would provide the district with $63.5 million in discretionary revenue that would not be subject to state recapture, allowing the district to use the money as it wishes.

Take the Opportunity Austin 5.0 Business Survey

Dec 15, 2022

As we enter 2023, Opportunity Austin is working with EY Economic Development Advisory Services to develop a new five-year strategy that will amplify existing efforts and identify new initiatives to drive Central Texas forward.

Austin ISD Interim Superintendent Presents at Opportunity Austin Meeting

Oct 18, 2022

Dr. Anthony May, Austin ISD Interim Superintendent, joined the October Opportunity Austin Economic Development Council Meeting to talk about education in Central Texas.

Opportunity Austin Receives Mac Conway Award for Fourth Year in a Row

May 3, 2022

Site Selection Magazine announced that Opportunity Austin, the Austin Chamber of Commerce economic development initiative, has been awarded the 2022 Mac Conway Award, an award given annually to the top economic development organizations in the country. This is the fourth year in a row the Chamber and Opportunity Austin has received this award.

Austin Business Journal Q&A: Austin Chamber CEO Laura Huffman talks balancing rapid growth, '22 outlook

Mar 1, 2022

The Austin Business Journal recently published a Q&A article with Austin Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, Laura Huffman, discussing a 2022 outlook and how our region will continue to balance such rapid growth.

Commemorating Honorable Bruce Todd

Dec 29, 2021

We’re so saddened to hear of the passing of our friend, former Austin Mayor Bruce Todd. A pillar of the Austin community, Bruce served two terms as Mayor and spearheaded the city’s growth throughout his tenure that included recruiting major employers, most notably Samsung Austin Semiconductor, AMD, Applied Materials and the expansion of Motorola.

Samsung announces Taylor as the site for their largest-ever investment in the U.S.

Nov 23, 2021

Today, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, announced that it would build a new semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taylor, Texas — part of the Austin region and a city of focus for Opportunity Austin.

Remembering Pike Powers

Nov 2, 2021

It is with a heavy heart that we learned of Pike Powers passing on Sunday. There are many ways to remember this giant in our community, and I hope many of you had the opportunity to work with Pike over the years.