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Austin at a Crossroads How our City is Changing The enormous growth currently engulfing the city of Austin mirrors the trajectory of a successful product launch. By: Lauren Neil-Jeffrey
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imilar to the social media giant Twitter, whose popularity exploded at Austin’s South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in 2007, both Twitter and Austin existed before, but weirdly, only a few knew about them.
Austin is a great product. From the lakes to the hill country, to the architectural design of structures and the preservation of natural public spaces, Austin is an innately beautiful city. It is also a city brimming with educational opportunity; a diverse culture hub; and filled with cuttingedge technology. Over recent years, leaders at both city and state levels have taken advantage of the spotlight on Austin by offering incentives to big businesses all over the world who commit to the product that is Austin. They have asked these companies to incorporate the human and natural resources found here into their culture, to create jobs from Austin’s talent pool and bolster the city’s economy. It worked, some might say, too well. Just as Twitter has experienced growing pains born of its rapid success, Austin is learning that being successful taxes available resources and requires changes. Along with the benefits of an expanded population, such as increasing wages, more available jobs, and new choices for entertainment, come sharp pains of growth, like rising property values and increased traffic. With an influx of new neighbors, however, comes an opportunity to expand membership in The Junior League of Austin to include more of the best and brightest women from all backgrounds and talents. New members bring new perspectives and talents which can only strengthen their
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ability to support The Junior League of Austin and our collective community . While it is undeniable is that Austin looks different than it once did, and progress cannot be reversed. Just as Twitter found its place in the future, so will Austin. Our city may look different, but it will stay its own version of weird.
Just as Twitter has experienced growing pains born of its rapid success, Austin is learning that being successful taxes available resources and requires changes.
