May 7, 2025 – For the eighth time, Opportunity Austin is a recipient of Site Selection magazine’s prestigious Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development for 2025. The award recognizes the top local and regional economic development agencies in the US. Judging is based on six criteria: total projects, total investment associated with those projects and jobs associated with those projects. The remaining three criteria represent a per capita calculation of those same metrics.
“Receiving the Mac Conway award for the eighth time is a testament to the hard work of our partners, investors and the entire Opportunity Austin team,” Ed Latson, chief executive officer of Opportunity Austin, said. “This recognition reflects the momentum we are seeing across the Austin region, driven by announcements like BillionToOne’s expansion. Every new investment strengthens our community and our commitment to creating a diverse, resilient economy.”
Opportunity Austin has been the recipient of this award in 1994, 2012, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025 with an honorable mention in 2010.
“This recognition underscores the tireless work Opportunity Austin has done—and continues to do—to drive investment across our region,” Casey Dobson, chairman of Opportunity Austin, said. “As we celebrate this award, we are also focused on the future, expanding our global reach, strengthening key sectors like life sciences and ensuring that the Austin region remains a prime destination for businesses across the world.”
Opportunity Austin has created more than 700,000 jobs since its inception in 2004. The organization leads regional economic development efforts and collaborates with regional partners on industry diversification, workforce development and infrastructure improvements to continue successful business recruitment and retention.
About Opportunity Austin
Opportunity Austin is the regional economic partnership fostering innovation, investment, workforce development, and livability across the Austin region. Harnessing the region’s unrivaled economic momentum, its mission is to be a force multiplier for businesses that share the drive for enduring prosperity. Ultimately, the organization improves the strength, power, and performance of our region and those who do business within it.
