AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/economic-development/)
Four community projects worth a total of $100 million will be opening over the next few years in Austin. The projects were celebrated at the annual summit of Austin Coming Together held last weekend.
Ald. Emma Mitts, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other city officials attended the groundbreaking ceremony held this week – on the three-year anniversary of the city’s INVEST South/West plan.
Starting in June, ambassadors will provide a friendly, welcoming presence on streets and provide residents with information about parking, dining and shopping. In Austin, the Westside Health Authority will run the ambassador program on Madison Street and Pulaski Road, and Chicago Avenue.
Every Wednesday in February, the Mid-America Club will be spotlighting a business leader from Chicago’s West or South Side. Malcolm Crawford, executive director of the Austin African American Business Networking Association, will be speaking Feb. 9th.
The three businesses – POTLUC, Soul City Chicago and Third City Cafe – are receiving about $3 million out of $14.4 million being funded through the Chicago Recovery Plan. More than 180 proposals were submitted during the latest round of funding. The next deadline to apply for a grant is Jan. 31.
The Dream Center is a new co-working spaces and business support services agency on Chicago Avenue.
Attend Saturday’s event virtually or in person at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5628 W. Washington Blvd. “Building Black Wealth in Austin” will reflect on the past, present and future of housing in Austin.
Austin United Alliance will update residents from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 about the Laramie State Bank project. The Soul City Corridor and other economic issues also will be discussed.
City transportation officials are asking West Side residents to complete a 16-question survey about improvements being made to Chicago Avenue, from Austin Boulevard to Cicero Avenue. The deadline to give input on the survey is Sept. 22.
City officials recently briefed West Side residents on the $21 million Austin corridor improvement project. The goal of the project, which covers Chicago Avenue from Austin Boulevard to Cicero Avenue, is to provide a safe, walkable and attractive street that will foster community and economic growth.