Reflecting on the Past & Anticipating the Future
AARO recognizes the pivotal role of research as a fundamental element in evidence-based decision-making, cultivating public trust, and shaping a sustainable and vibrant future for Central Texas. AARO commissions studies aimed at delivering a comprehensive and informed perspective on the intricate dynamics of the region's challenges.
Solutions Through Connection and Collaboration
AARO partnered with the Austin Area Sustainability Indicators (A2SI) project to better understand the interconnected nature of our regional challenges. A2SI has measured quality of life and sustainability trends in Central Texas since 2004, surveying residents across six Central Texas counties. The 2024 data highlight the importance of social connection and cross-sector collaboration. Click here to view the executive summary. Click here to read the full report.
Super-Region Leadership Priorities
As Central Texas grows, so does the need for a stronger, more connected approach to solving complex challenges. In 2024, AARO partnered with CivicSol to better understand how leaders across Central Texas and San Antonio view the Super-Region: how communities are perceived, where collaboration is thriving, and what barriers remain when addressing critical issues like housing, water, education, and workforce development. Click here for the executive summary and here to view the findings.
Leadership Insights on Growth and Change in CTX
The Lookback to Roadmap qualitative research study sought to glean insights from leaders in Central Texas concerning growth challenges and regional collaboration. One-on-one in-depth interviews, in-person and virtual focus groups and online surveys of regional leaders representing diverse sectors, backgrounds, and communities across Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties, considered barriers to regional collaboration, lessons learned from the Envision Central Texas (ECT) initiative, and essential elements for fostering collaborative efforts. Click here to read the full report.
Two Decades of Regional Growth & 2050 Data Trends
AARO’s Envision Central Texas: Looking Back and Glancing Forward report assesses the region’s growth from 2001 to 2021, comparing it with the projected growth scenarios that emanated from a regional visioning process known as Envision Central Texas (ECT), and extending the analysis to include additional metrics and considerations for future decades. Click here to read the full report.
Diversification of Water Sources for the City of Austin
Given the current drought, does it make sense for Austin’s water supply to be solely dependent on the amount of rainfall that enters the Highland Lakes?
If future rainfall runoff to the Highland Lakes mirrors the last four years, the lakes may contain only three to seven years of an adequate water supply, even with aggressive conservation.
Workforce Potential
AARO’s Envision Central Texas: Looking Back and Glancing Forward report assesses the region’s growth from 2001 to 2021, comparing it with the projected growth scenarios that emanated from a regional visioning process known as Envision Central Texas (ECT), and extending the analysis to include additional metrics and considerations for future decades. Click here to read the full report.
