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Mayor Leffingwell's State Of Downtown Austin Address

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downtown-austin-lifestyle

At the DAA’s Annual Luncheon & Mayor’s State of Downtown Address yesterday, Mayor Leffingwell gave a bullish speech about downtown Austin growth.

I sat at the DANA table and observed Mayor Leffingwell as I’ve never seen nor heard him before.  A Mayor who recognizes that growing Austin’s downtown is not at odds with preserving Austin’s character, and that growing downtown is in fact complementary and necessary to smart growth for the entire city.  This is what we heard yesterday.

PRO downtown Austin growth
PRO urban rail system
PRO getting the bums out and dealing with crime*
PRO hotel and convention center growth

*I’m paraphrasing, he was much more diplomatic.

You don’t have to take my word for it.  There was a quorum of City Council members in attendance, including City Manager Marc Ott, who can provide their own testimony.  The Mayor provided some genuinely funny jokes, too.  The best one [kindheartedly] jibbed former Mayor Will Wynn, a downtown resident, about how much he enjoys greeting construction workers in the morning.  🙂

downtown-austin-alliance-2009-report (pdf)

-Jude

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City Hires Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Director

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According the City’s press release, Kevin Johns, was recently appointed to be “responsible for implementing economic programs that foster jobs and nurture Austin’s creative industries.”

Judging by that title, Kevin’s role in the future of Austin could have big impact.   What’s interesting to me is how much media coverage is given to how tall downtown buildings are allowed to be, all the while hugely important positions like this receive minimal dialogue in the blogosphere.  Maybe it’s just where I’m looking.

I’m interested in learning more about this position.  Godspeed Kevin.  Maybe you can rekindle Villa Muse.

Billy Corgan Probably Supports This Event

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LaCondesa_PumpkinFiesta_p 2

UPDATE:  OH NO!!!! Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I will NOT be in attendance for this lovely event.  So no me, and no DAB T-Shirts!!!!

Do you like pumpkins? Or more accurately, do you hate pumpkins so much you like to attack them with knives for your own pleasure?  Well then – GET PUMPED-KIN – this is the event for you.

Quick Facts:

Date: Friday, October 30, 2009 (day after tomorrow), Time: 3-5pm, Location: La Condesa @ 400 A West 2nd Street (Click here for map), KID FRIENDLY (but also will have spiked punch for the adults).

I will be attending this event (probably with a couple of DAB t-shirts in hand for loyal readers), so come out!