Austin Area Research Organization (AARO)

Provided information on critical issues in 6 priority areas: education, health, social equity, transportation, vision (regionalism) and water by hosting programs featuring content experts and providing written materials to members. This included five membership meetings and more than 50 issue-related meetings in which members were fortified with facts to allow them to understand complex issues and educate others in their communities about critical policy issues facing the region.

Aaro commissioned a qualitative and quantitative study that, combined, were designed to deliver a comprehensive and informed perspective on the intricate dynamics of the region's growth over the past two decades and begin to chart a course forward. The lookback to roadmap qualitative Research study sought to glean insights from leaders in central Texas concerning growth challenges and regional collaboration. Aaro's envision central Texas: looking back and glancing forward report assesses the region's growth from 2001 to 2021, comparing it with the projected growth scenarios that emanated from a regional visioning process known as envision central Texas (ect), and extending the analysis to include additional metrics and considerations for future decades.

Launched the annual central Texas catalyst summit. A premier, by-invitation-only event that brought together 150 leaders from the six-county region who are engaged in addressing policy challenges impacting business, government and non-profit institutions and communities throughout the region. A full day event facilitating discussions topics that thread through the most pressing of these challenges, from housing and equity to mobility and the environment. Attendees were the first to see the envision central Texas lookback Research and they participated in interactive workshops, heard from thought provoking speakers and networked to explore how to move the needle forward for our region.