AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/economic-development/)
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.
Austin business operators who want to help make Austin a competitive commercial district are invited to a meeting Aug. 2, which will be held at Kehrein Center for the Arts at 5628 W. Washington Blvd. Come in person or participate via live stream.
Austin has a new community space, at the corner of Chicago and Lockwood avenues. City officials say it’s just a taste of what’s to come in terms of investment on the West Side.