Positioning Austin for Continued Success
The year is off to a positive start in the Austin region, with companies expanding, new headquarters taking root, and infrastructure projects paving the way for sustained growth. We remain committed to our strategy which focuses on recruiting new businesses and investment, developing talent pipelines, and advocating for items that strengthen us as a region, such as electricity, water, public safety, transportation, affordable housing and more. We have many initiatives underway aimed at advancing this work, including several scheduled recruiting trips and a newly launched Soft-Landing Program which is designed to ease the transition for international companies, providing the resources needed to establish and grow in the region. Another good example is our ongoing FAFSA completion campaign, where we help students access higher education and career pathways that align with industry needs. The Texas legislative session also presents an opportunity to advocate for policies that improve our economy and the communities that drive it. As a regional partnership, we know that collaboration is key to keeping this momentum going—thank you for being part of it.
— Ed Latson, CEO, Opportunity Austin
FEATURED ARTICLES
Billion-dollar medical technology company aims to expand manufacturing power in Cedar Park: A billion-dollar medical technology maker has plans to expand its Austin-area presence with a manufacturing facility in Cedar Park that would cost at least $25 million.
Realtor.com relocates HQ to Austin from California: The real estate platform, which already has an Austin office at 901 E. Sixth St. and employs 400 people here, is making the city its official headquarters instead of its previous home base of Santa Clara, Calif., according to an announcement.
TSTC breaks ground to expand in Williamson County: Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus ceremonially broke ground on its Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence building Wednesday, Feb. 5, in Hutto. The building is scheduled to open in spring 2027.
Austin’s Momentum in Life Sciences: Opportunities and the Road Ahead
Austin’s life sciences sector is rapidly evolving, positioning the region as a hub for MedTech, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. While long recognized for its innovation and tech talent, Austin has always been more than just tech. As we expanded and diversified our economy, life sciences emerged as a prime opportunity—leveraging our strengths to drive meaningful impact.
From our blog
Austin saw ‘solid’ economic activity in 2024 — here’s what to expect in 2025:
The Austin region is starting 2025 with a positive outlook. The economy remains strong, with GDP growth of 4.5% last year and unemployment rates below state and national averages. The region continues to focus on diversifying the local economy and attracting top talent to sustain growth. Learn more.
From Frontman to Founder: Innovating Life Sciences in Austin:
Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, drawing top talent from across the globe and fostering an environment where innovators can thrive. Casey McPherson is a prime example: what began as a career in music transformed into a mission to change lives. Read the blog.
Global Investment & Innovation Newsletter, January 2025:
Discover the latest updates shaping Austin’s global business ecosystem—from upcoming events and groundbreaking announcements to the launch of Opportunity Austin’s Soft-Landing Program. Explore how we’re fostering innovation, investment, and opportunity across the region. 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 & funders: More 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.
