News from October 2023


UT leading DOE's HyVelocity Hub to expand jobs

The University of Texas at Austin (UT) has announced its role as the primary academic institution and a founding member of the Department of Energy's HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub. This new initiative by the Department of Energy aims to leverage UT's expertise and resources to bring the benefits of clean hydrogen and job opportunities to neighboring communities, according to a press release by UT.


Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium achieves TRUE Pre-Certification, becomes first in the world

Austin FC's Q2 Stadium has achieved Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) pre-certification, making it the first soccer-specific stadium in the world to receive this recognition. The announcement was made by Austin FC on Green Sports Day, highlighting Q2 Stadium's commitment to implementing sustainable practices and policies.


UFCU highlights UT Austin Texas One Stop partnership

University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) has announced its collaboration with Texas Ex and New York artist Isabella Hollis in creating a vibrant mural at Texas One Stop, highlighting the essence of the iconic "Drag" and the University of Texas (UT) campus culture. The mural, located in the Texas One Stop Home of UFCU Lounge, aims to enhance the atmosphere, according to a press release by UFCU.


City of Austin Housing and Planning Committee will meet Oct. 25

City of Austin Housing and Planning Committee will meet at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25


City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee will meet Oct. 25

City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee will meet at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25


Country music icon Parton to perform at halftime of Cowboys Thanksgiving game

Country music legend Dolly Parton has been selected to perform at the halftime show of the Thanksgiving matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders on November 23, 2023, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Parton expressed her excitement about the performance in a post on October 16, saying, "Can't wait to see everyone at the @SalvationArmyUS Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show during the @DallasCowboys game. Tune in to @CBSSports November 23, Thanksgiving Day, at 3:30 P.M. CST for a performance that will rock."


Abbott lauds F1 as beneficial to Austin, Texas economies

As part of the upcoming Formula 1 (F1) Lenovo United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), Gov. Greg Abbott hosted a car presentation in front of the Texas Governor’s Mansion. Playing host to COTA Chairman and Co-Founder Bobby Epstein, Abbott, a Republican, touted the event as an asset to the Texas economy.


Austin Chamber of Commerce board positions on bonds and amendments

The Austin Chamber of Commerce recently announced that its Board of Directors has endorsed the Travis and Williamson County bond propositions, as well as select State of Texas Constitutional Amendments scheduled for the upcoming November ballot. The Chamber received information on the proposed bonds, and various Chamber committees were briefed on the bonds and constitutional amendments by different organizations.


Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts released its Texas Water: Present and Future Needs 2023 report

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has recently issued the Texas Water: Present and Future Needs 2023 report, outlining both current and projected water supply dynamics. This report addresses various aspects, including water governance, rights, infrastructure, funding and environmental factors affecting water issues in Texas as outlined by the Texas Water: Present and Future Needs 2023 report provided by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.


Texas Comptroller's 2024-2025 Certification Revenue Estimate

The Texas Comptroller's Office has unveiled the 2024-2025 Certification Revenue Estimate. This comprehensive report covers Texas' economic outlook, the 2022-23 Ending Balance, transfers to the Economic Stabilization Fund and State Highway Fund, as well as tax and non-tax revenues that contribute to the revenue of all funds as outlined by the 2024-2025 Certification Revenue Estimate provided by the Texas Comptroller's Office.


Austin observes National Teen Driver Safety Week

The city of Austin is joining in the observance of National Teen Driver Safety Week, partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to encourage parents to have conversations about safe driving with their teenage drivers. This week-long campaign, which takes place from October 15th to October 21st, aims to promote awareness and education on the importance of safe driving habits among young motorists.


UT Austin Professor Lowery can continue his suit against UT officials

Senior attorney of the Institute for Free Speech, Del Kolde, expressed satisfaction with the Western District of Texas Court's ruling on Professor Richard Lowery's lawsuit against University of Texas (UT) officials. The court affirmed Professor Lowery's standing to sue and deemed his claim appropriate for consideration. The court also agreed that the alleged threats made by UT officials could reasonably deter someone from exercising their free speech rights. The ruling was issued by Senior United States District Judge David Alan Ezra on September 5th.


City of Austin City Council will meet Oct. 19

City of Austin City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 19


Pledge 1% and Austin Gives partner to foster philanthropy

Austin Chamber announced a new partnership between Pledge 1% and Austin Gives aimed at promoting corporate philanthropy in the Austin area. The collaboration will leverage the expertise, peer networks, and resources of both organizations to provide more recognition and support to Austin companies interested in social impact.


City of Austin Public Safety Committee will meet Oct. 16

City of Austin Public Safety Committee will meet at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 16


NPLA announces details for 2023 conference in Austin, TX

National Private Lenders Association (NPLA) recently announced the details for their upcoming conference, which will take place in Austin, TX, in October. According to a press release from September 28, this lending industry event will feature former coach Jason Garrett as a guest speaker.


City of Austin City Council met Aug. 31

City of Austin City Council met Thursday, Aug. 31


Austin Board of Realtors releases housing affordability report: ‘Our community must come together to address these decades-long challenges’

The Austin Board of Realtors recently released a report titled "The Truth About Austin's Missing Housing," which revealed a severe undersupply of housing in Austin. The study examined the affordability of two-person and four-person homes in Austin and found that there was a significant shortage of homes in both categories.


City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors met Aug. 31

City of Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors met Thursday, Aug. 31


UFCU serves more Central Texas homeowners with mortgages than any competitor

Univesity Federal Credit Union (UFCU) has once again secured the top spot on the Austin Business Journal's Mortgage Companies list. This marks the eighth consecutive year that UFCU has achieved this distinction, solidifying its position as the leading mortgage lender in Central Texas. According to a press release, UFCU has helped more Central Texas residents achieve homeownership and build wealth than any other company.