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The Surge: April 2025

The Power of Regionalism

Opportunity Austin is a five-county partnership, and we’re seeing momentum in every one of those communities—from San Marcos to Georgetown. That kind of growth doesn’t happen on its own; It takes alignment, collaboration, and shared priorities across the region.

We saw that in action at OA Day at the Capitol. Investors and regional partners came together to meet with legislators and advocate for the issues that matter most, including: workforce, infrastructure, and taxes and incentives. With strong support from our local representatives, we left with a lot of optimism and even more energy to keep going.

We’re also advancing collaboration across the broader Austin–San Antonio megaregion. As two of the fastest-growing metros in the country, our region it’s clear that coordinated leadership will be key to unlocking what comes next.

— Ed Latson, CEO, Opportunity Austin

FEATURED ARTICLES

American Cities Can Help Propel The U.S. Tech Industry Forward:The future of U.S. tech competitiveness depends on how cities invest in talent and innovation today. From aligning education with industry needs to expanding access to opportunity, local strategies are shaping national outcomes.

New zoning could support expansion of Austin’s life sciences sector: A new zoning use for science industries could support the growth of facilities in the biotech, diagnostics, medical, pharmaceutical and research fields in Austin, and build on the hundreds of companies and tens of thousands of jobs in place today.

New Economic Study: A newly released economic impact study, commissioned by Texans for Innovation, found that extending the state’s research and development (R&D) tax credit will increase economic output, employment, and income, without creating fiscal problems at the state or local level. 

2024 oa ANNUAL REPORT

2024 was a year of impact and momentum for the Austin region.

Opportunity Austin’s 2024 Annual Report highlights key achievements:

– 22,000+ new jobs created
– $4 billion in venture capital investment
– 47 company relocations and 61 expansions
– 80 international delegations hosted

See how we’re driving economic growth, global investment, and opportunity for the region. Full report.

From our blog

Austin Region: By the Numbers: April 2025:

Austin’s job growth in 2024 outperformed earlier projections, according to revised data released in late March by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

With 28,500 jobs added and a growth rate of 2.1%, Austin ranked as the 5th fastest-growing major metro—up from the previously reported 10th place and a 1.7% growth rate (22,700 jobs). Full report.

Austin Delegation to SXSW London:

SXSW, Capital Factory, Opportunity Austin, and the City of Austin Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) are proud to announce a formal Austin community delegation will participate in the inaugural South By Southwest® London (SXSW® London) conference / festival June 2-7, 2025. Press release.

Austin’s Talent Advantage:

With 25 universities and colleges hosting over 400,000 students within a 100-mile radius, companies find the skilled workforce they need right here. From software engineering to semiconductor manufacturing, Austin’s talent pipeline powers innovation across industries. Learn more.

LET’S STAY CONNECTED

For businesses: Opportunity Austin is able to provide confidential support for projects, including real estate research, and the facilitation of all aspects of the site selection process.

For start ups & fundersMore and more creativity, innovation, & collaboration. The Austin Region is a magnet for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting diverse industries and fostering growth of established companies and startups.

 

Recent Posts
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Pitchbook released their Q2 Venture Capital report, showing that companies in the Austin region raised approximately $6.5B YTD, more than twice the money raised in the same period during 2025 ($2.9B). Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, showing that the Austin region is fourth among the top 50 metros in the percent of STEM jobs.

The Austin region’s continued ability to attract and grow companies depends on more than creating jobs, it depends on having the talent to fill them.

Austin Business Journal spotlights the many defense companies that have set up shop outside Austin lately.

STEM occupations account for over 11.1% of all jobs in the Austin MSA in 2024, making Austin the 6th most concentrated in STEM among large U.S. metros. Since 2019, STEM occupations in Austin have grown by 17%, adding 20,000 jobs and bringing the total number of workers to 139,820.

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