Citing its potential economic and positive lifestyle benefits, speakers at a Sept. 25 forum made the case for bringing a public market to downtown Austin.

"We want to begin the conversation and see if we can get enough people to coalesce and maybe make [a downtown public market] happen," said Larry Graham, board chairman of the Downtown Austin Alliance, which co-hosted the forum with the city of Austin.

David O'Neil, who has worked on about 200 new and historic market projects throughout the world, detailed the different types of outdoor markets and the benefits they bring. The best public markets, which feature local vendors selling a variety of goods, are the ones that reflect a city's assets, place, people and products, he said.

"From Pike Place [Market] in Seattle to the Milwaukee Public Market, vibrant cities can point to their permanent markets as a central component of a strong local economy and a regional food system," Graham said.

Local food has become important to Austin's image and economy, said Margaret Shaw, city of Austin economic redevelopment program manager.

A 2013 city of Austin economic impact study conducted by TXP, an economic analysis and public policy consulting firm, found that Austin's food sector employs 43,000 people and adds $4.1 billion annually to the region's economy. The report recommended exploring the feasibility of creating a permanent public market in Austin.

Graham said he has seen an interest in creating a public market in Austin and was encouraged by the strong turnout at the Sept. 25 forum. However, there is still plenty of work needed; there is not yet a potential location identified for a public market nor an idea of what type of market it should be, he said.

O'Neil said he was optimistic about a public market's chances in downtown Austin.

"I have no doubt if you are so inclined that you can do some form of a public market [in Austin]," he said.