The "National Equity Atlas" is an online resource highlighting demographic change, racial inclusion and the economic benefits of equity with data for the largest 150 metros in the U.S. and all 50 states. The Atlas highlights the fact that people of color are driving population growth, both locally and across the nation. However, inequality in education, income, and other factors is having an increasingly negative impact on economic growth.   

Consider these statistics for the five-county Austin metro area:

• Since 1979, income for full-time workers in the bottom 10th percentile has increased by only 1.3 percent, while the income of those at the top 10th percentile has increased by 31.6 percent. 

• In 2012, the average wage for workers of color was $7 less than the average wage for white workers.

• Education helped diminish, but not eliminate, wage discrepancy. White wage earners with a bachelor's degree earned an average of $28 an hour, and people of color earned $25.

Click here to find more data on equity in specific metro areas or states.

The Enroll ATX initiative is a coalition of local community organizations and service providers.

Most people who do not have health coverage in 2015 will pay a penalty of either 2% of total income or $325 per adult and $162.50 per child, whichever is higher. 

GetEnrolledATX.com is a new website with local enrollment information in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Several community enrollment events are planned where individuals can talk to people one on one about health coverage options. 

Growing Senior Population

suburbs are especially unprepared 

A recent Brookings article notes that, by 2030, one in five Americans will be age 65 or older, and communities, specifically suburban communities, are not prepared for this shift. The article notes that longer lives will exacerbate the need for more savings and income security, stating, "Projections are that 6.5 million of those older than age 65 will have incomes less than $15,000 annually by 2024, a 37 percent increase in their numbers in ten years."  The article notes we have an abundance of "Peter Pan housing" that is designed for people who grow up but never grow old, and cites examples of how some communities are addressing these issues with the development of suburban low-income senior communities and density bonuses.   

According to a report released this week by the Texas Comptroller, college graduates face years or even decades of student debt, and this will have a negative impact on the Texas economy. 

Transportation Works and the State Independent Living Council are conducting a statewide on-line survey of transportation needs. The survey is especially interested in documenting transportation needs of people with disabilities who live in rural and small urban areas.  The results of the survey will be shared with the Texas Department of Transportation at a Transportation Summit next summer. People who complete the 10-minute survey can enter a contest to win $500. Click here to take the survey. 

Get Money for YOUR Neighborhood Project

The City of Austin is accepting applications for neighborhood-initiated projects. Projects funded through the Neighborhood Partnering Program in 2014 included a pocket park (described in the video above) a park mosaic, green space beautification,  a skyway sidewalk, and a sidewalk project.  Learn more about how your neighborhood can apply for matching funds for community projects by visiting the Neighborhood Partnering Program website.  The deadline for the newest round of grants is June 1, 2015. 

Twice a year, UnLtd USA select cohorts of Austin's most promising entrepreneurs tackling big social and environmental challenges. Over the course of a 12-month Venture Support program, UnLtd USA entrepreneurs receive: 

• Seed funding ($5,000 - $10,000) to pay for critical start-up costs
• Intensive, one-on-one coaching from the UnLtd USA team
• 6 months of cohort-based training on key skills for start-up and impact success
• High value connections and strategic network-building with leading investors, funders and successful entrepreneurs in Austin.