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Program Agenda
Session I: Icons and Issues
Friday, October 15, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (optional happy hour afterwards)
Experience the people and issues making news and the trends shaping our future. We’ll dive in to this exciting day with an overview of Central Texas’s demographic and growth trends and an introduction to regional issues relating to the economy and environment. A guided tour of Austin’s City Hall, designed by internationally award-winning architect Antoine Predock, will highlight the architectural elements of the building and feature a new installation of art by local artists. Then, you’ll join three long-time Austinites on a bus tour as they provide first-hand perspectives on the area’s unique natural resources, institutions, history, and culture. The day will be punctuated with lunch at a delightful downtown venue, and end with refreshments and a chance to get to know each other.
Session II: Land Use and Sustainability – Planning for the Future
Tuesday, October 19, 4:30 - 8:30 pm
This session we will explore how the regional planning, land use and transportation decisions we make shape the way we live, work, commute and play. How do these choices affect how the region competes on the national stage? We will explore the Mueller redevelopment as a case study and will delve into the issues surrounding both transportation and housing. We will discuss the complex debates about balancing growth with affordability, liveability, walkability and the need to preserve a historic and iconic Austin.
Session III: Economics and Education - Keys to the Region’s Future
Tuesday, October 26, 4:30 - 8:30 pm
The third session will look at the economic context for Greater Austin by discussing what’s driving the regional economy and what is needed to keep the region strong and competitive. We will explore the “big picture” for education in the Greater Austin area - with an explanation of the “achievement gap” and its implications, a challenge to think about education as a workforce issue, and highlights of promising local initiatives to build a strong and educated workforce. We will get an insight into the interrelationships among education, workforce development, the economy, and the quality of life for the region.
Session IV: Healthcare
Tuesday, November 2, 4:30 - 8:30 pm
Our fourth session will focus on the changing face of healthcare in Central Texas. As Austin’s population and workforce grows and changes, the number of uninsured and underinsured is also growing. Who are our most vulnerable citizens, and how does this growing population impact the regional economy? We will explore the future of Academic Medicine in Austin and discuss what this means for our community and its implications for the healthcare safety net.
Session V: Quality of Life - The Spirit of the Region
Tuesday, November 9, 4:30 - 8:30 pm
Now it’s on to exploring the culture of Austin and what makes our city unique. For our final evening we will gather in downtown Austin to delve into the qualities of Austin that attracted many of us and continue to keep us here. We will have an opportunity to discuss the city’s unique creative and entrepreneurial spirit and how this city provides a niche for anyone with a vision or the desire to be involved. Highlights will include performances from some of the city’s most talented artists.