In the past few years Austin has witnessed – and continues to experience – a modern day entertainment boom, with a tripling of restaurants and clubs, multiple micro-districts (SoCo, The Triangle, the Warehouse District), etc. Former “glamour” industries like film, music, and art are being joined by food, fashion, and nightlife. With the rise of this creative class, to what extent are these forces viable and sustainable micro-economies that will support Austin through the downturn and beyond? What are the genuine economic factors that affect these micro-economies and, in turn, what can Central Texans do to support them – beyond going out at night?

John Hockenyos, Michael Barnes, and Jim Walker

Speakers:

• Michael Barnes – Social Columnist, Austin American-Statesman
• Jon Hockenyos – President, TXP
• Moderated by Jim Walker – Executive Director, Central Texas Sustainability Indicators Project

References from the discussion:

• Austin American-Statesman
• TXP
• Central Texas Sustainability Indicators Project
• Create Austin: Austin’s cultural community plan
• Michael Barnes’s ‘Out and About” blog event reacp

Audio:

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