Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an amendment to the interlocal agreement with Worksource - Greater Austin Area Workforce Board d/b/a Workforce Solutions Capital Area Board, for the Austin Infrastructure Academy to provide workforce training and job placement assistance for mobility and infrastructure-related positions to extend the contract term by 12 months, add up to three one-year extension options and add $2,550,000 in funding for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $7,550,000. Funding: $2,550,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Economic Development.
De
Lead Department
Austin Economic Development.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $2,550,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025‐2026 Operating Budget of Austin Economic Development.
Prior Council Action:
March 7, 2024 - Council approved Resolution 20240307-021 directing the City Manager to implement a program to fund and support workforce development.
October 10, 2024 - Council authorized negotiation and execution of an interlocal contract with Worksource - Greater Austin Area Workforce Board d/b/a Workforce Solutions Capital Area, to provide workforce training, childcare services, and job placement assistance for mobility and infrastructure-related positions for a term of 12 months, in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000, for the implementation of the Austin Infrastructure Academy.
For More Information:
Michael Cummins, Director, Austin Economic Development, 512-974-2612; Ann Eaton, Assistant Director, Austin Economic Development, 512-974-9746.
Additional Backup Information:
The Austin Infrastructure Academy (AIA) is a strategic workforce development initiative led by Workforce Solutions Capital Area, designed to meet the region’s growing demand for skilled talent in Mobility and Infrastructure (M+I) sectors. Major projects such as expansion of Austin Bergstrom International Airport, IH-35 corridor redevelopment, and building a new Convention Center will create a demand for mobility and infrastructure workers. These projects represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create sustainable career pathways while addressing Austin’s affordability challenges through stable, well-paying jobs.
AIA serves as a collaborative platform to align and strengthen the M+I talent ecosystem, expand access to infrastructure careers such as construction, skilled trades, operations, and front-line mobility, and accelerate pathways to employment by streamlining training, certifications, and job placement processes. AIA is designed to provide job seekers with a seamless workforce development journey, integrating recruitment, career navigation, training, job placement and employer partnerships, and support services such as childcare scholarships.
Workforce Solutions developed an AIA Implementation Playbook that identifies strategies to guide implementation during the Academy's first five years. Since beginning operations on March 26, 2025, the Austin Infrastructure Academy (AIA) has achieved several key first-year milestones, including:
• Hired Senior Director to oversee AIA implementation, along with Career Navigators and other support staff to guide job seekers through career exploration and their workforce development journey.
• Refined internal systems to optimize tracking, reporting, outreach, enrollment, and services for job seekers and employers.
• Launched the Advisory Council to support strategic alignment, provide guidance, and ensure accountability.
• Developed a comprehensive Brand Toolkit and launched a strategic marketing campaign that has connected 1,856 individuals to career opportunities.
• Enrolled 1,654 participants in the Austin Infrastructure Academy and awarded 210 training scholarships.
• Helped 142 residents secure employment or advance in their careers, resulting in an average annual earnings increase of $18,480.
• Earned statewide recognition for the Austin Infrastructure Academy's collaborative approach to workforce development through the 2026 Workforce Excellence Award from the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC).