About the Author
Mark Richardson is a multimedia journalist, editor and writer who has worked in digital, print and broadcast media for three decades. He is a nationally recognized editor and reporter who has covered government, politics and the environment. A journalism graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, he was recently awarded a Foundation for Investigative Journalism grant and has three Associated Press Managing Editors awards for excellence in reporting.
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Key Players & Topics In This Article
Austin Interfaith: Austin Interfaith is a coalition of congregations, schools and unions who work together to address community issues. The group is non-partisan, and focuses on issues that affect families, working people and neighborhoods in the city. AI is part of the Industrial Areas Foundation, which is a national organization.
Economic Development Incentives: This is shorthand for a series of programs designed to lure business to a given region. In Austin, the program tends to take some form of tax-based incentives. These can include rebates or grants that are often tied to a set of stipulations. These tend to include local hiring goals, same-sex partner benefits, or, more recently, wage floors for construction workers who build facilities for the incoming organizations.
The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce: This group counts more than 2900 businesses and other entities as part of its membership. According to its web site, the organization has served as the "voice of the business community since 1877."
Travis County Commissioners Court: The legislative body for Travis County. It includes representatives from the four Travis County Precincts, as well as the County Judge. The County Judge serves as the chair of the Court.