On September 25, the Downtown Austin Alliance hosted “Issues Over Lunch: Inclusive Prosperity Downtown,” a panel that explored innovative approaches to supporting small businesses, creatives and entrepreneurs from historically marginalized communities.
Local philanthropists, community members and business leaders gathered for an engaging discussion on how inclusive economic development can shape Austin’s future. The panel was moderated by Jenell Moffett, chief impact officer of the Downtown Austin Alliance and featured the following participants who spoke about their experience with and what they hope to see for our downtown:
Nicole Klepadlo, interim executive director, Red River Cultural District
Tom Noonan, president & CEO, Visit Austin
Brittney Rodriguez, COO, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Additionally, keynote speaker Shelonda Stokes, president of the Downtown Baltimore Partnership, shared insights on Baltimore’s BOOST program—a revitalization initiative similar to Austin’s Downtown Austin Storefront Activation program that has breathed new life into Baltimore’s downtown.
Key takeaways from the event include:
Updates about the Downtown Austin Space Activation program
The Downtown Austin Storefront Activation program revitalizes vacant storefronts by connecting local artists and creatives with unused spaces, turning them into hubs for art, culture and commerce. By filling these empty locations with pop-up events, art installations and cultural projects, DASA is not only showcasing Austin’s local talent but also increasing foot traffic in underutilized areas. Through partnerships with property owners and community organizations, the program transforms spaces that might otherwise remain empty into vibrant parts of the city’s fabric, ensuring that everyone can participate in Austin’s prosperity. To date, the program has produced more than 16 activation events with over 15 partner organizations.
Transformative Projects Shaping Austin’s Future
The $25 billion investment in transformative projects downtown includes the redevelopment of the Austin Convention Center. By doubling the facility’s size and creating a park-like setting, the redevelopment will reshape the downtown landscape, making it more inviting for everyone. Combined with other major projects, such as the light rail system and the I-35 cap and stitch program, these infrastructure developments will remove the physical barriers that separated East and West Austin and reconnect our community, increase foot traffic and support local businesses. This transformation presents a unique opportunity to reconnect historically significant areas, such as Red River Street, with their roots in Black entrepreneurship, making Austin a more inclusive and economically dynamic city.
Supporting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Businesses Through DECA Chambers’ REED Program
As more than 53% of Austin’s population identifies as people of color, programs like DECA Chambers’ Regional Economic and Educational Development are essential for creating an inclusive future.
REED focuses on supporting minority-owned businesses by offering access to capital, mentorship and workforce development opportunities. It also works to align large employers with small, local businesses through partnerships that create opportunities for underrepresented groups. By offering career training and development, REED helps bridge the gap between workforce needs and available talent, ensuring a stronger, more diverse economy for all Austinites.
The importance of small businesses to the local economy
Small businesses are a backbone of Austin’s economy, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors, which employ around 170,000 people. During the pandemic, these industries, especially businesses and venues in the Red River Cultural District, were hit hard. However, the city is focusing on intentional reinvestments in historic venues and small businesses. By providing financial and logistical support to these businesses, Austin is ensuring that its unique cultural fabric is preserved. Efforts such as grants, mentorship programs and targeted redevelopment in culturally significant areas help safeguard the city’s identity while promoting equitable growth that benefits all residents.
Revitalization Success Case Study
Shelonda Stokes showcased the success of Baltimore’s BOOST program, which has revitalized downtown by supporting Black-owned-and-operated storefronts. Addressing key challenges such as vacant retail spaces, limited retail diversity, and crime, BOOST offers financial support, business development resources and mentorship and community to minority-owned businesses. Similar to Austin’s DASA initiative, BOOST transforms empty spaces into thriving businesses and cultural hubs, fostering community and economic growth.
With over $1 million in funding provided to minority-owned businesses, the program has filled vacant storefronts and revitalized the downtown area. These efforts demonstrate how investing in people and their businesses can create a more vibrant downtown that benefits everyone.
What’s next?
By fostering inclusivity, investing in small businesses and preserving the city’s cultural identity, Austin is setting a strong foundation for a more equitable and prosperous downtown. As the city continues to evolve, the Downtown Austin Alliance will remain at the forefront of these initiatives, championing the partnerships and projects that create a vibrant, inclusive urban core for all Austinites. For more information about DASA, visit: https://downtownaustin.com/foundation/dasa/
Join our next instance of Issues and Eggs: Meet the Chief on November 19 at St. David’s Episcopal Church. Save your seat now.
