The Economic Development Department (EDD) of the City of Austin has been awarded the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The recognition stems from the department’s work in the Neighborhood Development category, which has positively influenced more than 500,000 residents. The honor will be formally presented during the IEDC’s 2025 Annual Conference, set to take place in Detroit, Michigan, from September 14 to 17.
Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of IEDC, praised Austin’s innovative approach, highlighting the Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy as a model of excellence. He noted that the initiative underscores the city’s dedication to community well-being and demonstrates how strategic economic planning can yield broad societal benefits. According to Ohle, the award celebrates leadership and forward-thinking practices within the economic development sector.
Each year, IEDC acknowledges organizations, government bodies, and programs that exhibit outstanding performance in advancing economic growth and community revitalization. The selected recipients are recognized for spearheading transformative efforts that foster inclusive prosperity.
Anthony Segura, Interim Director of Austin’s Economic Development Department, emphasized that the policy places residents, cultural identity, and equitable opportunity at the core of urban expansion. He described the award as strong affirmation of the city’s mission to create an economy that uplifts all residents while expanding access to economic participation. Segura added that this acknowledgment reinforces confidence in the city’s strategic direction.
The Economic & Cultural District Framework Policy exemplifies Austin’s commitment to redefining urban development in a way that integrates innovation with social equity. By prioritizing community-centered growth, the EDD is laying the groundwork for a future where economic progress and cultural vitality coexist. Further details about the initiative and the department’s broader efforts can be found at www.austintexas.gov/EDD.
— news from AustinTexas.gov
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Austin Earns International Award for Innovative Economic and Cultural District Policy
The City of Austin’s Economic Development Department (EDD) is proud to receive the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed for the organization’s work in the Neighborhood Development category that impacted over 500,000 residents. EDD will be honored at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, September 14-17. n n”Austin’s Economic Development Department is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy. This award shines a spotlight on Austin’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honored to present this award to the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.” n nEach year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development. n n”Austin is proud to be recognized for our Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy, which places people, culture, and opportunity at the center of economic growth,” says Anthony Segura, Interim Director of the Economic Development Department. “This recognition is a powerful validation of our resolve to build an economy that strengthens our community while opening doors of opportunity for every Austinite. That is the future we are building, and this award affirms we are on the right path.” n nThe City of Austin’s Economic Development Department is shaping the foundation of Austin’s future, where innovation, culture, and community thrive together. The Economic & Cultural District Framework Policy is one example of how we are reimagining growth to serve every Austinite. To explore this initiative and learn more about the department’s ongoing efforts, visit www.austintexas.gov/EDD. n nAustin recibe premio internacional por póliza innovadora de distritos económicos y culturales n nLos premios de excelencia de IEDC honran a las organizaciones y programas que demuestran un desempeño ejemplar en el desarrollo económico. n nEl Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin (EDD, por sus siglas en inglés) se enorgullece en recibir el premio de Excelencia en Desarrollo Económico 2025 del Consejo Internacional de Desarrollo Económico (IEDC, por sus siglas en inglés). El premio fue otorgado por el trabajo de la organización en la categoría de desarrollo vecinal que impactó a más de 500,000 residentes. EDD será reconocido en la Conferencia Anual 2025 de IEDC en Detroit, Michigan, del 14 al 17 de septiembre. n n”El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de Austin es lider en la categoria de excelencia en desarrollo económico con su póliza de distritos económicos y culturales. Este premio destaca el compromiso de Austin con su comunidad y muestra el impacto significativo del desarrollo económico”, dijo Nathan Ohle, presidente y director ejecutivo de IEDC. “IEDC se honra en presentar este premio al Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin para celebrar tanto su liderazgo como su innovación en el área.” n nCada año, IEDC reconoce a las organizaciones, entidades gubernamentales, iniciativas y programas de desarrollo económico que demuestran de manera constante excelencia en el área. Los ganadores son lideres en proyectos transformadores que revitalizan comunidades y hacen avanzar la práctica del desarrollo económico. n n”Austin se enorgullece de ser reconocido por nuestra póliza de distritos económicos y culturales, que coloca a las personas, la cultura y la oportunidad en el centro del crecimiento económico”, dijo Anthony Segura, Director Interino del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico. “Este reconocimiento es validación de nuestra determinación de construir una economía que fortalece a nuestra comunidad mientras que abre puertas de oportunidad para cada habitante de Austin. Ese es el futuro que estamos construyendo, y este premio confirma que vamos por el camino correcto.” n nEl Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin está construyendo el futuro de Austin, donde la innovación, la cultura y la comunidad prosperan juntas. La póliza de distritos económicos y culturales es un ejemplo de cómo estamos reimaginando el crecimiento para servir a cada habitante de Austin. Para explorar esta iniciativa y conocer más sobre los esfuerzos actuales del departamento, visite www.austintexas.gov/edd. n n### n nAbout the City of Austin Economic Development Department n nThe City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more about helpful resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd and subscribe to our newsletter. Connect with us @AustinEconDev on Facebook, @AustinEconDev on X, and @AustinEconDev on YouTube. n nInformación sobre del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin n nEl Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin fomenta el crecimiento empresarial, las industrias creativas y las comunidades locales. Estos programas construyen una economía equitativa y sostenible que enriquecen las vidas de los habitantes de Austin. Para obtener más información acerca de recursos útiles, visite www.austintexas.gov/edd y suscríbase a nuestro boletín. Conéctese con nosotros en @AustinEconDev en Facebook y @AustinEconDev en X y @AustinEconDev en YouTube.