Economic Development & Strategic Investments

The Travis County Office of Economic Development & Strategic Investments (EDSI) manages the County’s economic development programs, County Corporations, Public Improvement Districts, real estate redevelopment opportunities, facilities and strategic planning, investment portfolio, and depository contract. EDSI seeks to create conditions for economic growth to improve quality of life and affordability, and address economic equity through the use of financing mechanisms beyond ad valorem taxes.

Investment Management

• Invest public funds for Travis County and Central Health
• Manage the depository contract
• Provide financial analysis for economic development transactions

Corporations

• Issue taxable and tax-exempt bonds for qualifying projects
• Participate in financing of affordable housing projects
• Provide home down payment assistance to qualifying low-income residents

Economic & Strategic Planning

• Manage long-range facility planning for Travis County
• Manage the identification, review, and reuse of underutilized county properties
• Manage a variety of Economic Development policies and programs
• Implement Travis County’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
• Build relationships and engage with residents to help inform policy, programs, and funding priorities.

Northeast Planning District

• This collaboration with the City of Austin is a joint effort by Travis County and the City of Austin to address past inequities and promote inclusive development. 
• Community input will be key to planning and will shape the future of the Northeast Planning District. 
• The Northeast Planning District is a 26.5 square mile area bounded by Highway 183, Highway 290, Tollway 130, and the Colorado River

Palm School

• Palm School is a County-owned property that holds significant historic and cultural importance, especially to Austin’s Mexican-American community.
• The County is undertaking a Concept Planning process that will be informed by community input.
• The Commissioners Court approved a Steering Committee made up of eight community members and representatives from five partner organizations.

Public Improvement Districts (PIDs)

• Implement Travis County’s PID policy
• Ensure program compliance for existing PIDs
• Evaluate petitions for new PIDs