Austin @ Large: The Task Force Findings

Here's a quick summary of what the three subcommittees of the Task Force on the Economy have concluded. For the full report, go to www.ci.austin.tx.us.

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Traditional Industries

Evaluate the industries we want to target for their long-term potential, their ability to leverage Austin's specific regional assets, and their consistency with local values and economic vision.

Consider a "shared investment" by the city based on a project's overall economic and fiscal impact; its ability to create good jobs for Austinites and good opportunities for other local businesses; and the employer's record of corporate citizenship, support for culture, and environmental sensitivity.

Avoid front-loaded city incentives that aren't tied to performance; explore nonfinancial incentives and limit financial incentives to incremental ones based on growth that don't cost the city tax money.

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Small Business

Develop a more user-friendly code-and-permitting process for small business, including a specialized small-business development review team.

Support programs that provide access to capital, training, and opportunities for collaboration.

Provide a better information and support network, including a small business resource Internet site, an ombudsman within City Hall, a marketing campaign, and an annual summit.

Make it easier for small businesses to do business with the city.

Develop a small-business cluster that provides opportunities for mutual support (for example, small-business incubators).

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Cultural Vitality (Keep Austin Weird)

Create a "cultural impact" review process to evaluate city policy decisions.

Use culture as a criteria for reviewing city incentives and investments (as also recommended by the traditional-industries committee).

Provide umbrella insurance policies for artists who are doing business with the city.

Expand the city's cultural arts program to incorporate marketing, fundraising, and technical assistance for artists and arts organizations.

Streamline permitting for creative-arts industries.

Expand the music loan program to include other arts and cultural endeavors.

Inventory city-owned space to find places arts groups could use.

Create a public-private multidisciplinary arts incubator.

Create a Texas Culture Festival as an annual Austin event.