The Austin Chamber of Commerce urged Travis County Commissioners to enter an $8.5 million economic incentive agreement with Charles Schwab Corp., the San Francisco-based banking and brokerage corporation, at Tuesday’s regular session. The company is seeking $3.6 million in tax rebates from Travis County to expand its Austin operations. Some local taxpayer groups are already […]
The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
This group counts more than 2900 businesses and other entities as part of its membership. According to its web site, the organization has served as the “voice of the business community since 1877.”
Posted inLocal Government, Uncategorized
Commissioners still pondering prevailing wage questions
Travis County Commissioners found themselves in the middle of tug-of-war Tuesday over proposed policy changes to the county’s Economic Development and Construction Procurement Practices. The issue of the county requiring a prevailing wage of $11 per hour for all construction done with county money sparked an extended debate. The Travis County Economic Development Task […]
Posted inLocal Government
Questions arise over legislative changes to state education standards
Concerns over the standards of the State of Texas’ public education system found their way to an Austin Chamber of Commerce event Tuesday. Questions arose in the wake of legislative action taken during this past session to change some graduation requirements. There, as part of a news conference held after the conclusion of the […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
Council OKs prevailing wage as part of economic development deals
The City Council on Thursday voted to make Austin the second city in Texas to mandate prevailing wages for construction workers as part of its economic development process. Mayor Lee Leffingwell was the only Council member to oppose the measure. The discussion and vote, a four-hour conversation, solidifies what has become an automatic late […]