The Austin Infrastructure Academy will receive more than $2.5 million in city funds over the coming years to support the workforce training and jobs program as several major public projects continue their development.
“Part of our goal was to evolve the economic development paradigm where it’s not just about, at the end of every year, counting the number of new jobs created, but counting the number of people we’re actually getting into jobs that are Austinites," Mayor Kirk Watson said.
The overview
The infrastructure academy has involved the city and entities like Austin Community College and Workforce Solutions Capital Area since it was first proposed and launched in 2024.
Local leaders have promoted the program as a key way to connect Austin-area residents with stable construction careers while billions of dollars are being invested in infrastructure upgrades like the I-35 expansion and Project Connect rail system, the Austin Convention Center redevelopment and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport expansion. City staff reported that wave of construction represents a "once-in-a-generation" chance to build new career pathways.
“This is probably the biggest economic development sector we have, and it creates the opportunity for people to move into those jobs in such a way that they can then afford to stay in Austin, in most instances being paid prevailing wages," Watson said.
Zooming in
In fall 2024, Austin leaders agreed to direct $5 million to Workforce Solutions for training and career services under the academy initiative. And this September, City Council voted to fund the program with an additional $2.55 million over four years.
The funding will go toward various workforce training and job placement efforts, including improvements to the academy overall.
"The City’s initial investment helped establish and support the Academy’s workforce training and career pathway efforts. This continued investment will help build on that foundation, strengthen our local workforce, and better connect Central Texans with opportunities tied to the region’s growing mobility and infrastructure needs," Workforce Solutions Capital Area CEO Yael Lawson said in a statement.
The academy completed staff hires and several system improvements to support area job-seekers since March 2025, including public career fairs. According to its one-year report released this spring, the initiative:
Connected more than 1,500 residents to career opportunities
Enrolled nearly 1,100 participants in the academy, offering individualized career navigation alongside other training and support services
Awarded 162 training scholarships
Employed or advanced the careers of 99-plus participants, and reported a more than $18,000 increase in participants' annual earnings
Council member Mike Siegel said he supported the "absolutely critical program" that's assisting recent high school graduates and others in the infrastructure sector, and council member Krista Laine highlighted the initiative's effective collaboration with school districts including Round Rock ISD.
"Investing in the people who call this community home helps ensure Central Texas remains resilient, prepared, and ready to build what comes next," Lawson said.
