Downtown Austin Alliance executive director announces retirement

Courtesy Downtown Austin Alliance

Downtown Austin Alliance's longtime leader Charlie Betts announced May 14 that he will step down as executive director after 17 years.

Betts will remain on staff through the end of the year. DAA is an advocacy group that works with downtown residents, business owners, property owners and government officials to advance various improvements in the city's central core.

"When I think of the success we have seen in downtown Austin over the last 17 years, it makes me think of the incredible people that worked to make it happen," Betts said in a news release. "DAA board members, mayors and councils, volunteers, DAA members and community leaders have worked to make downtown Austin the vibrant place it is today."

DAA has hired a search firm to find Betts' replacement.

"The leadership and vision Charlie has provided over the last 17 years will leave a lasting legacy for downtown Austin," DAA board Chairman Larry Graham said in a news release. "We are confident his values and integrity will continued to be embodied as the organization moves forward."