Hill Country Conservancy (HCC) is a land trust whose work plays a critical role in connecting the importance of preserving our local environment with the consistent growth and vitality of our local economy - one of the driving forces behind our region’s success. HCC has always been the catalyst of change, bringing warring factions together to accomplish a unified goal of conservation and preservation of our heritage and the beauty of Texas.

Austin is the only venture capital bright spot in Texas, according to a new report by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Austin, which ranked behind Denver — rated the top city in the country — and ahead of Fayetteville, Arkansas, had its highest marks in the areas of net migration and desirability, both factors tied to the region’s strong economy. Not surprisingly, its lowest marks were related to affordability and commuting.

Growth in the area’s technology industry is leading the charge as Apple, Google and other major technology firms make plans to increase staffing. Apple will complete construction on a new phase of its northwest Austin campus this year, expanding to 1.1 million square feet. It has pledged to create 3,600 positions during the next few years, nearly doubling its workforce in the region. The growth of these large tech companies is attracting startups and incubators to the area.

How to fix a threat to affordable housing.

Austin’s office lease activity plummeted 15.2%, according to Savills Studley’s Q4 2015 report. But it's not from softness in the market. The firm attributes the drop to the metro's rich bidding environment and rising costs of doing business. Preemptive strikes on space and a dramatic upturn in off-market deals show that while space is very limited, it's still in very high demand. Because of this, Austin landlords are extending leasing flexibility to only the most creditworthy tenants.

The redeveloped Seaholm Power Plant and the adjacent new development of office, retail and residential commons space are up for sale.

One of Austin’s newest residential high rises has reached a major construction milestone: topping out. The 22-story project at 8th & Nueces streets has reached its tallest height (about 235 feet), and construction is scheduled to complete later this year.

With the Port of Houston expanding, booming petrochemical developments, the Panama Canal doubling its capacity and the Eastern seaboard almost complete, deals are closing in the industrial segment.

"Branding does not end with getting a website or a name for your property. You need residents to connect emotionally and develop some type of allegiance to the property." And establishing that allegiance is what needs to renewals and eventually, rental increases.

Crowdfunding is still new and pretty rare in Texas, but the returns from one early adopter may make you take notice.

Declining retail sales and store closings have many pointing the blame at e-commerce, but some of the brick-and-mortar decline could come from a seldom-mentioned part of the retail experience.

National reports indicate a lack of qualified construction workers, which is profoundly affecting developers and new projects, as well as residential homebuilders.

Mixed-use development has become more accepted even in suburban environments, featuring product types that include hotel, office, apartments, retail and more.

Thursday, April 28
11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Four Seasons Hotel
98 San Jacinto Blvd

Join us as we celebrate RECA's 25th anniversary with a panel discussion between the organization's founders