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Travis County: 15,441 new jobs and $269.5 million in taxpayer savings
Texans who earn more than the poverty level can purchase private insurance on the Marketplace and may qualify for tax subsidies. However, the poorest Texans cannot. This is called the "coverage gap," and it exists because Texas has decided not to expand Medicaid to all citizens living in poverty.
The Center for Public Policy Priorities has released fact sheets for every county in Texas detailing the benefits of closing the health care coverage gap. For Travis County alone, CPPP estimates the creation of 15,441 jobs, taxpayer savings of $269.5 million currently paying for uninsured health care, and coverage for 50,200 Travis county residents who fall within the coverage gap.
Click here for new fact sheets on economic impact of health care expansion for all Texas counties.
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Travis County ranks among healthiest in Texas
ranking factors include smoking, physical activity, healthy foods
Austin/Travis County ranked high on overall health (9th out of 237 Texas counties) compared to all participating counties in the state for the annual County Health Rankings.
The report released by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation underscores that where we live matters to our health. Counties are compared across 30 factors that include smoking, high school graduation rates, income inequality, employment, physical activity, access to healthy foods and much more.
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Report benchmarks current state of Austin nonprofits
Austin wages are 14% below nonprofit wages across the state
New research by Greenlights reveals surprising threats to the long-term success of many organizations. The report, On the Verge: Value and Vulnerability of Austin's Nonprofit Sector, benchmarks the financial health, size and capacity of the Austin nonprofit sector using local and national data, along with proprietary research.
Greenlights is a local non-profit that provides mission-driven organizations and people with the tools and guidance needed to tackle complex community challenges.
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Job Creation
Austin and Salt Lake City lead the nation
The Gallop Poll Job Creation Index reports Austin and Salt Lake City as have the highest Job Creation Index scores among the 50 largest U.S. metro areas, based on employee reports of hiring activity where they work.
Many of the top-ranking metro areas, like Austin are being boosted by growth in technology jobs. Data also shows that growth in job creation also spills over into growth in housing and construction jobs to meet the basic needs of the growing workforce.
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Austin MSA ranks 3rd fastest growing metro in the nation
many begin to evaluate the cost of growth
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Interactive Map by Andrew Chavez, American-Statesman
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The Census Bureau recently released population estimates that rank the
Click here to view the full release of the U.S. Census Bureau's County and Metro Area Population Estimates.
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Capital IDEA recruiting students
education and career guidance plus work supports
Capital IDEA will be recruiting students from both Travis and Williamson Counties in April. Several orientations have been scheduled throughout the month with plenty of room for new participants.
Capital IDEA offers financial support to low-income adults who need a college degree. The organization's sponsorship covers tuition, books and fees for up to an associate's degree. They also assist with childcare.
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Take action!
help prioritize federal funding for Austin's Community needs
Every spring, with participation and input from Austin residents, Austin's Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Office develops its annual Action Plan, which outlines community needs, resources and priorities for federal funding provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. There are a variety of opportunities for public engagement:
1. Attend a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 14th at 6:30 pm at Austin Energy, Town Lake Center, or Thursday, April 16th (time TBD) at Austin City Hall
2. Submit Public Comments Online or via Mail
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Request for feedback:
analysis of Austin's Planning and Development Review Department
City of Austin Planning and Development Review Department commissioned Zucker Systems of San Diego, California, to conduct an organizational and operational analysis of the department in an effort to increase process efficiency, customer satisfaction, and delivery of accurate and timely services. The Draft Final Report by Zucker Systems is now available for review.
Two public meetings for stakeholders will be held on Wednesday, April 8th, from 3:00 - 5:00 pm and 7:00 - 9:00 pm at the Palmer Events Center. Findings and recommendations will be presented, and comments and feedback will be solicited. The deadline for receiving comments is Monday, April 13th. After the close of the comment period, Zucker Systems will finalize the report.
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Additional opportunities
for community engagement:
Community Indicators Consortium 2015 Impact Summit will be held in Austin in November and is seeking presentation proposals. The deadline to submit is Sunday, April 5th. Click here for more information.
The Draft of Austin's Community Climate Plan is now available. See how Austin can get to Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions. The deadline to provide feedback is Friday, April 10th. Click here to view the draft plan and provide feedback by emailing sustainability@austintexas.gov
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CAN is a partnership of governmental, non-profit, private and faith-based organizations which leverage mutual resources to collectively improve social, health, educational and economic opportunities in our community.
CAN Partners: Austin Chamber of Commerce, Austin Community College,
Austin ISD, Austin/Travis County Integral Care, Capital Metro, Central Health, City of Austin, City of Pflugerville, Community Justice Council, Del Valle ISD, Goodwill Industries of Central Texas, Greater Austin Asian Chamber, Greater Austin Black Chamber, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber, Huston-Tillotson University, Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT), Manor ISD, One Voice Central Texas, Seton Healthcare Family, St. David's Foundation, St. Edward's University, Travis County, United Way for Greater Austin, University of Texas at Austin, and Workforce Solutions - Capital Area
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