Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of a Place-Based Enhancement Cultural Preservation economic development agreement with Escuelita del Alma to support its continued operation as a childcare provider, for a total amount not to exceed $84,390 over a five-year term to support retention of this local legacy business. Funding: $16,216 is available in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Economic Incentive Reserve Fund. Funding for future award payments will be contingent upon future appropriations to the reserve fund.
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Lead Department
Austin Economic Development.
Fiscal Note
Maximum economic development agreement payments to Escuelita del Alma are estimated at $84,390 over the course of a five-year term, if all performance and compliance criteria are met. Funding for incentive payments is contingent upon the annual appropriation of funds to the Economic Incentive Reserve Fund. Eligible sources of funding for the Economic Incentive Reserve Fund may include, but are not limited to, sales taxes, property taxes, mixed beverage taxes, and grants and private donations.
For More Information:
Mac Cummins, Director, Austin Economic Development, 512-568-9720; Matthew Schmidt, Division Manager, Austin Economic Development, 512-974-6415.
Additional Backup Information:
Project Summary and Impact
Founded in 2000, Escuelita del Alma was Austin’s first Spanish-immersion preschool. Originally located on the 200-block of Congress Avenue, Escuelita provided much-needed, high-quality childcare for parents working in the downtown business corridor. In 2008, the business almost faced closure due to the sale and redevelopment of the 200-block. Due to massive community support, the business was able to find a new location for lease on the access road of IH35 for the next 17 years. In 2022, they were forced to relocate again as a result of the Texas Department of Transportation Capital Expressway Expansion Project’s acquiring their property through eminent domain.
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