Building Bridges: Mayor Kirk Watson on Austin’s Infrastructure and Affordability
07/18/24 • 19 min
In this episode, host Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, speaks with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. Tamara and the Mayor delve into how Austin’s city leaders are prioritizing affordability to empower local residents and foster economic security. The Austin Infrastructure Academy - a groundbreaking initiative approved by the Austin City Council in early March 2024 - takes center stage, aimed at enhancing workforce development in Austin's burgeoning mobility and infrastructure sectors. This academy integrates recruitment, training, and wraparound services to support job seekers effectively. Additionally, conversation explores efforts to expand childcare availability to bridge workforce supply gaps and highlights collaborative community strategies tackling broader regional workforce challenges. Join us as we uncover how these initiatives are shaping a more resilient and inclusive Austin.
Austin's Mayor Kirk Watson boasts a distinguished career spanning over three decades in Texas public policy. Beginning with his appointment by Gov. Ann Richards as Chair of the Texas Air Control Board in 1991, Watson demonstrated early leadership in environmental issues, later contributing significantly to the formation of what is now the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Elected as Austin's mayor in 1997, Watson earned acclaim for fostering collaboration across political divides to advance pioneering environmental and economic development projects. His legislative prowess extended into the Texas Senate, where he served for over 13 years, eventually becoming President Pro Tempore in 2019. During his tenure, Watson championed initiatives such as the establishment of a new medical school at The University of Texas at Austin, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in shaping Texas's governance and public health landscape.
In This Episode:
- (00:00) Introduction of Austin Mayor Kirk and his first job as a “stripper!”
- (04:15) “Affordability First” is the number one priority for Austin’s communities
- (08:31) Watson delves into the Infrastructure Academy's goals and benefits. The initiative aims to improve infrastructure and residents' economic stability.
- (0:10:41) The conversation focuses on efforts to make child care affordable and expand availability. Watson explains the 100% property tax exemption for child care facilities.
- (0:13:13) Collaborative Efforts for a Better Future - the importance of collaboration in tackling affordability, including partnerships with various stakeholders for inclusivity.
- (0:14:30) Watson shares his vision for Austin's future and community involvement.
- (0:17:00) Final thoughts on what it takes to be a “complete city.”
- Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!
About the show:
Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling those critical open positions. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We also celebrate the victories: the ingenious solutions, the unexpected collaborations, and the best practices that are making us all sharper. You’ll hear guests from all sides of the table – elected officials with a finger on the pulse of the economy, industry leaders from booming sectors like tech, healthcare, and skilled trades, and educators shaping young minds in our schools and post-secondary education programs. So, tune in and get ready to be informed, inspired, and maybe even surprised by the future of work in Austin.
Resources:
Kirk Watson
Workforce Solutions Capital Area
Central Texas’ first-ever labor and demand forecast for the mobility and infrastructure sector
About Workforce Solutions Capital Area:
Workforce Solutions is the state-designated authority for the data-driven planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in Austin-Travis County. They connect local people to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs. These specialized services are provided at no cost - including career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more.
In this episode, host Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, speaks with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. Tamara and the Mayor delve into how Austin’s city leaders are prioritizing affordability to empower local residents and foster economic security. The Austin Infrastructure Academy - a groundbreaking initiative approved by the Austin City Council in early March 2024 - takes center stage, aimed at enhancing workforce development in Austin's burgeoning mobility and infrastructure sectors. This academy integrates recruitment, training, and wraparound services to support job seekers effectively. Additionally, conversation explores efforts to expand childcare availability to bridge workforce supply gaps and highlights collaborative community strategies tackling broader regional workforce challenges. Join us as we uncover how these initiatives are shaping a more resilient and inclusive Austin.
Austin's Mayor Kirk Watson boasts a distinguished career spanning over three decades in Texas public policy. Beginning with his appointment by Gov. Ann Richards as Chair of the Texas Air Control Board in 1991, Watson demonstrated early leadership in environmental issues, later contributing significantly to the formation of what is now the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Elected as Austin's mayor in 1997, Watson earned acclaim for fostering collaboration across political divides to advance pioneering environmental and economic development projects. His legislative prowess extended into the Texas Senate, where he served for over 13 years, eventually becoming President Pro Tempore in 2019. During his tenure, Watson championed initiatives such as the establishment of a new medical school at The University of Texas at Austin, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in shaping Texas's governance and public health landscape.
In This Episode:
- (00:00) Introduction of Austin Mayor Kirk and his first job as a “stripper!”
- (04:15) “Affordability First” is the number one priority for Austin’s communities
- (08:31) Watson delves into the Infrastructure Academy's goals and benefits. The initiative aims to improve infrastructure and residents' economic stability.
- (0:10:41) The conversation focuses on efforts to make child care affordable and expand availability. Watson explains the 100% property tax exemption for child care facilities.
- (0:13:13) Collaborative Efforts for a Better Future - the importance of collaboration in tackling affordability, including partnerships with various stakeholders for inclusivity.
- (0:14:30) Watson shares his vision for Austin's future and community involvement.
- (0:17:00) Final thoughts on what it takes to be a “complete city.”
- Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!
About the show:
Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling those critical open positions. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We also celebrate the victories: the ingenious solutions, the unexpected collaborations, and the best practices that are making us all sharper. You’ll hear guests from all sides of the table – elected officials with a finger on the pulse of the economy, industry leaders from booming sectors like tech, healthcare, and skilled trades, and educators shaping young minds in our schools and post-secondary education programs. So, tune in and get ready to be informed, inspired, and maybe even surprised by the future of work in Austin.
Resources:
Kirk Watson
Workforce Solutions Capital Area
Central Texas’ first-ever labor and demand forecast for the mobility and infrastructure sector
About Workforce Solutions Capital Area:
Workforce Solutions is the state-designated authority for the data-driven planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in Austin-Travis County. They connect local people to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs. These specialized services are provided at no cost - including career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more.
Previous Episode
Unleashing Austin's Workforce Potential: Introducing Austin Hires Local with Tamara Atkinson
Calling all job seekers, employers, and anyone who cares about the future of Austin's workforce! Introducing Austin Hires Local, your one-stop shop for understanding our city's job market.
Join me, Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, as we navigate the complexities of Austin's job market in future episodes of the podcast. Together, we'll explore the vital connection between education and employment, and how it can empower individuals and transform communities. I’ll be sitting down with leaders from education, economic development, and community organizations to discuss actionable solutions for strengthening Austin's workforce. Discover what's working, what's not, and innovative strategies to ensure local people have the skills needed for local jobs. Whether you're looking to develop a career plan, seeking ways to grow your business, or simply curious about Austin's economic landscape, this podcast is your guide. Let’s build a better community by talking talent together!
Tamara Atkinson is the CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFS), the state-designated authority for the Austin-Travis County workforce system. WFS connects local youth and adults to high-demand industries for quality jobs. Tamara holds leadership roles in state and national workforce development, including as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council. Recently, she launched the Austin Metro Area Community Workforce Plan, known as the "Hire Local Plan," Austin’s first strategic initiative to enhance economic mobility through career education.
In This Episode:
- (00:00) Introduction to Austin Hires Local
- (01:04) Austin's employment landscape - creating more jobs than most other metro areas, available jobs don’t always match local skills
- (02:00) Tamara Atkinson's journey - North Africa to Austin, educator to a workforce development leader, family influence
- (03:33) What this podcast will provide, WFS resources
- Reach out to Workforce Solutions Capital Area
- Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!
About the show:
Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling those critical open positions. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We also celebrate the victories: the ingenious solutions, the unexpected collaborations, and the best practices that are making us all sharper. You’ll hear guests from all sides of the table – elected officials with a finger on the pulse of the economy, industry leaders from booming sectors like tech, healthcare, and skilled trades, and educators shaping young minds in our schools and post-secondary education programs. So, tune in and get ready to be informed, inspired, and maybe even surprised by the future of work in Austin.
Resources:
Workforce Solutions Capital Area
Tamara Atkinson LinkedIn
About Workforce Solutions Capital Area:
Workforce Solutions is the state-delegated authority for the data-driven planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in Austin-Travis County. They connect local people to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs. These specialized services are provided at no cost - including career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more.
Next Episode
Earn and Learn Apprenticeships in Central Texas: Building Strong Talent Pipelines
Welcome to Austin Hires Local! In this episode, Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFS) interviews Mark Sherry, WFS Board Chair and VP of Human Resources at Baylor Scott & White Health. Listen in as Mark recounts his impactful first job in a college career service office, which led to a memorable experience with Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, profoundly shaping his career path.
The conversation explores the critical parallels between healthcare and workforce development, focusing on how Workforce Solutions Capital Area offers personalized support and hope to job seekers, similar to healthcare providers' approach to patients. We tackle the ongoing war for talent across various sectors, including healthcare, and the strategic importance of investing in entry-level workers to build a robust talent pipeline. Lastly, discover the transformative power of apprenticeships, where structured roadmaps for skill acquisition help employees advance without leaving their current roles. Learn about the successful initiatives by the Central Texas Healthcare Partnership and how collaboration among passionate employers, workforce intermediaries, and educational partners can drive innovation and address labor market needs.
About Mark Sherry: As Board Chair of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, Mark Sherry brings over 30 years of experience in workforce development, talent acquisition, and organizational change management. He currently serves as the greater Austin region Vice President of Human Resources for Business Strategic Services and Workforce Development at Baylor Scott & White Health. Mark is also a national Apprenticeship Ambassador representing Central Texas, chosen by the Department of Labor for his commitment to modernizing, diversifying, and expanding Registered Apprenticeship to support the success of American workers, employers, and communities.
In This Episode:
- (00:00) Introduction of Mark Sherry and his various titles and functions
- (03:51) Jobs that propelled Mark to where he is now
- (07:30) Parallels between healthcare and workforce development - both fields aim to provide personalized support and hope during challenging times.
- (11:00) Investing in entry-level workers - strategies to cultivate a robust talent pipeline, addressing business community skepticism about training investments
- (21:00) Registered apprenticeships enable career advancement without leaving current positions.
- (24:30) Learning from other cities and sharing best practices
- (28:31) Looking to the future - potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize workforce development with significant insights and efficiencies for job seekers and employers
- (31:21) The most surprising part and biggest takeaways from being Chair for a workforce board.
- Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!
About the show:
Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling those critical open positions. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We also celebrate the victories: the ingenious solutions, the unexpected collaborations, and the best practices that are making us all sharper. You’ll hear guests from all sides of the table – elected officials with a finger on the pulse of the economy, industry leaders from booming sectors like tech, healthcare, and skilled trades, and educators shaping young minds in our schools and post-secondary education programs. So, tune in and get ready to be informed, inspired, and maybe even surprised by the future of work in Austin.
Resources:
Mark Sherry LinkedInWorkforce Solutions Capital Area
Central Texas Healthcare Partnership
About Workforce Solutions Capital Area:
Workforce Solutions is the state-designated authority for the data-driven planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in Austin-Travis County. They connect local people to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs. These specialized services are provided at no cost - including career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more.
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