Item 5 — Thursday, September 24, 2026
In plain language — from agenda source text
This item authorizes an interlocal agreement between Austin Economic Development and UT's McCombs School of Business to plan and run a pitch competition for small business plans over a two-year term. It pairs city economic development staff with a university partner to give local entrepreneurs a shot at putting their plans in front of judges. The agreement is capped at $250,000, with that amount available in Austin Economic Development's Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget.
Current official agenda wording
Authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with The University of Texas McCombs School of Business for Austin Economic Development to plan and execute a small business plan pitch competition for a term of two years in an amount not to exceed $250,000. Funding: $250,000 is available in the Fiscal year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Economic Development.
"without objection, the consent agenda is adopted with the Mayor Watson being shown, voting no on items 48 through 59 and Council Member Alter being shown voting no on item number 49. [00:45:01]" — meeting transcript (unofficial)
What got said
Attributed statements from the meeting transcript, not official agenda values.
- Phillip Fitzgerald expressed concern that a UT-based pitch competition may not serve Austin's locally rooted small businesses.