Included an analysis of the economic base, resource potentials, the overall business climate, export potentials, and included a survey of the local market and institutional barriers and incentives to business development in the City of Austin, Texas. Strategies were developed to attract and promote energy and water conservation businesses in the city. The strategies included a technology incubator, enterprise zone program, loan guarantees, a residential energy services company, contracting for architecture/engineering services, and a city-sponsored equipment-leasing program. Cost-effectiveness of the various strategies and incentive programs were evaluated and an implementation plan was prepared.
Although the focus was on energy and water conservation-oriented manufacturing and service organizations, the strategies developed could also be applied to attract a wider variety of businesses and industries.
The client was Austin’s Resource Management Department and Economic Development and International Trade Department.