austonia newsletter
Get connected with our daily update
Most viewed
(Pexels)
The Del Valle ISD school board approved an economic incentives agreement with Tesla, which has proposed to build a $1.1 billion Gigafactory in Southeast Travis County, at a meeting on July 9.
<p>Under the 10-year deal, Tesla will pay property taxes on only 20% of the factory's assessed value—a savings of around $50 million—to the school district. In exchange, the electric carmaker has promised 5,000 new jobs, most of which are middle-skill positions that do not require a college degree, and a fleet of workforce development programs. </p><p>Construction could begin as soon as this fall, according to Tesla's application for the incentives agreement. </p><p>Tesla is also negotiating a separate economic incentives agreement with Travis County, whose Commissioners Court is scheduled to vote on whether to approve the terms this Tuesday. </p><p>A Tesla representative <a href="https://austonia.com/tesla-austin-travis-county" target="_blank">said June 23</a> that Austin is at the top of its list but that economic incentives are required "to make the economics of a factory work."</p><p>Tulsa is <a href="https://austonia.com/future/tesla-tulsa" target="_blank">also courting</a> Tesla and hopes to be home to its next factory, which will produce <a href="https://austonia.com/future/tesla-cybertruck" target="_blank">its latest model, the Cybertruck pickup</a>, as well as a mid-size SUV called the Model Y.</p>
From Your Site Articles
- Elon Musk seeks to fast-track $1.1 billion Tesla factory in Austin ... ›
- Tesla considering buying Austin site for new factory - austonia ›
- Travis County will vote on tax incentive deal for Tesla - austonia ›
- What Tulsa offers Elon Musk for Tesla's next 'Gigafactory' - austonia ›
- Elon Musk threatens to move Tesla operations to Texas and Nevada ... ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less
Travis Co. sets date to vote on tax incentives deal for $1.1 billion proposed Austin Tesla factory
08 July
(Google Maps)
Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe said that the Commissioners Court will vote on its much-discussed tax incentive deal to bring the next Tesla "Gigafactory" to Austin at their meeting next Tuesday.
<p>The anticipated <a href="https://austonia.com/tesla-austin-travis-county" target="_self">20-year</a> deal, which would have the electric carmaker building a $1.1 billion plant on a <a href="https://austonia.com/tesla-austin-factory" target="_blank">site in Southeast Travis County</a>, has been under review <a href="https://austonia.com/technology/tesla-factory-texas" target="_blank">for several weeks</a>. The Tesla deal would create 5,000 jobs in a facility that would produce <a href="https://austonia.com/future/tesla-cybertruck" target="_self">the Cybertruck</a> and Model Y. It has attracted a <a href="https://austonia.com/tesla-austin-travis-county" target="_blank">wide range of reactions</a>.</p><p>"We have staff basically doing a little bit of additional work to finalize the agreement," Biscoe said, speaking after a closed-door meeting on Wednesday. "And we will have the matter back on the court's agenda for action next Tuesday."</p><p>The meeting will be livestreamed <a href="http://traviscountytx.iqm2.com/Citizens/calendar.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<h5>Want to read more stories like this one? Start every day with a quick look at what's happening in Austin. Sign up for Austonia.com's free daily morning email.</h5><!-- Begin Mailchimp Signup Form -->
<link href="//cdn-images.mailchimp.com/embedcode/classic-10_7.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">
<style type="text/css">
#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; }<br />
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.<br />
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */<br />
</style>
<div id="mc_embed_signup">
<form action="https://austonia.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=4d0e7a7bb7e797f1d00b45a6b&id=ad2a1dda78" method="post" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" class="validate" target="_blank" novalidate="">
<div id="mc_embed_signup_scroll">
<div class="mc-field-group">
<label for="mce-EMAIL">Email Address </label>
<input type="email" value="" name="EMAIL" placeholder="️✉️ Enter your email address" class="required email" id="mce-EMAIL"></div>
<div class="mc-field-group input-group" style="display:none"> <strong>Austonia </strong>
<ul>
<li><input checked="checked" value="1" name="group[11998][1]" id="mce-group[11998]-11998-0"></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div id="mce-responses" class="clear">
<div class="response" id="mce-error-response" style="display:none"></div>
<div class="response" id="mce-success-response" style="display:none"></div>
</div>
<!-- real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups-->
<div style="position: absolute; left: -5000px;" aria-hidden="true"><input type="text" name="b_4d0e7a7bb7e797f1d00b45a6b_ad2a1dda78" tabindex="-1" value=""></div>
<div class="clear"><input type="submit" value="Sign up now" name="subscribe" id="mc-embedded-subscribe" class="button"></div>
</div>
</form></div>
<!--End mc_embed_signup-->
From Your Site Articles
- Elon Musk seeks to fast-track $1.1 billion Tesla factory in Austin ... ›
- Tesla considering buying Austin site for new factory - austonia ›
- Travis County delays vote on Tesla's proposed Austin factory ... ›
- Travis County considers deal to bring Tesla to Austin - austonia ›
- Elon Musk threatens to move Tesla operations to Texas and Nevada ... ›
- Tesla may get $60 million in tax breaks to bring factory to Austin ... ›
- Del Valle ISD OKs Tesla tax deal for Austin factory - austonia ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less
(ThaiTum/Wikimedia via Creative Commons)
Austin may be at the front of the pack to land the next Tesla "Gigafactory," but CEO Elon Musk just demonstrated that the competition is far from over.
<p>Musk visited Tulsa—<a href="https://austonia.com/report-teslas-next-factory-will-be-in-austin" target="_blank">Austin's main rival</a>—last week, where he met with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Secretary of Commerce Sean Kouplen. "We have the challenge of Tulsa being less known than Austin and getting his team comfortable with us as their potential site," Kouplen told <a href="https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/local/government-and-politics/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-makes-visit-to-tulsa/article_75fe10c3-5fc4-54d1-9d9c-ffee4c1b50c5.html#anchor_item_1" target="_blank">the Tulsa World</a>.</p>
<p><br/></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="427ecd443f0fe224b140f3deb2dd53bc" id="b689b"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1278451464562753537"><div style="margin:1em 0">@GovStitt @Tesla Wow, I’ve never seen this level of support! Out of respect, seems like I should at least visit.</div> — Elon Musk (@Elon Musk)<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/statuses/1278451464562753537">1593641556.0</a></blockquote></div>
<div id="77159" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0cd19f086c20a915ba6748d5c96e218f"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1279404818738679808" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">We had a great visit with @elonmusk yesterday talking @Tesla in Tulsa!
Oklahoma is the right place for Tesla and I… https://t.co/zYmZ1nxZ3P</div> — Governor Kevin Stitt (@Governor Kevin Stitt)<a href="https://twitter.com/GovStitt/statuses/1279404818738679808">1593868853.0</a></blockquote></div><p>The visit followed months of speculation over which city Tesla will choose to locate its next Gigafactory, which will manufacture the company's <a href="https://austonia.com/future/tesla-cybertruck" target="_self">Cybertruck</a> and promises at least 5,000 new jobs. </p>
What Tulsa offers
<p>Tulsa promises <a href="http://www.okenergytoday.com/2020/06/commerce-secretary-confident-tulsa-will-be-teslas-choice/" target="_blank">an economic incentives package</a>, <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/18/tesla-wants-a-68m-property-tax-break-for-its-cybertruck-gigafactory/" target="_blank">pro-business climate</a> and established manufacturing workforce, but terms of the package are considered confidential under state law, making it impossible to compare its offerings with those on the table in Austin.<br></p><p>When asked for more details about the incentives, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce declined to comment.<br></p><p>Tulsa's biggest asset may be <a href="https://twitter.com/KTULNews/status/1262836862764318720" target="_blank">naked enthusiasm</a> about the project—as evidenced by multiple social media campaigns, including Tulsa Says Yes, Austin Says No, <a href="https://twitter.com/BearAgencyGroup/status/1278412982628859904" target="_blank">#Tesla4Tulsa</a> and <a href="https://www.bigfuckingfield.com/" target="_blank">Big F*cking Field</a>, which touts the benefits of a 1,500-acre site and offers it to Musk for a refundable $100 deposit. </p><p>During <a href="https://www.tulsaworld.com/business/watch-now-we-really-want-tesla-bad-tulsa-chamber-president-explains-citys-desire-for-telsa/article_9168d720-48b7-5746-a29a-839ed506c542.html?fbclid=IwAR1Q5CnmIEvSPuYq1CBBScXZQSk7AMjGGupjXqgTbpGtj0Ces49XlQ7LEds" target="_blank">a June 30 town hall</a>, Tulsa Regional Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal said one of the biggest differentiators between his city and Austin is attitude. "We really want Tesla bad," he said. "We really, really, really want them and are going to do everything we possibly can to lure them here." </p>What Austin offers
<p>Rohan Patel, Tesla's senior global director for public policy and business development, told Travis County commissioners that Austin "has risen to the top in our search" because of its diverse workforce, the proposed factory site in Southeast Travis County and a potential partnership with Del Valle ISD.</p><p>But Patel also said the <a href="https://austonia.com/technology/elon-musk-tesla" target="_self"><u>incentives</u></a>—a 10-year, $68 million deal with Del Valle ISD and a 20-year deal of an undisclosed amount with Travis County—are necessary.</p><p>There is enthusiasm for the deal in Austin, but union officials and concerned residents have also asked officials to consider the company's spotty history of <a href="https://www.texasaflcio.org/news/uaw-asks-travis-county-commission-carefully-review-public-subsidy-tesla-cite" target="_blank"><u>reneging on incentives agreements</u></a>, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2019/03/01/tesla-safety-violations-dwarf-big-us-auto-plants-in-aftermath-of-musks-model-3-push/#6d3f7efb54ce" target="_blank"><u>workplace safety</u></a> and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/06/25/tesla-plant-firings/" target="_blank"><u>employee protections</u></a>. </p><p>Amid the competition, two websites—<a href="https://www.koco.com/article/seems-like-i-should-at-least-visit-musk-responds-to-stitts-tweet-about-bringing-tesla-to-tulsa/33035832" target="_blank"><u>Tulsa Says Yes</u></a> and <a href="https://www.austinsaysno.com/" target="_blank"><u>Austin Says No</u></a>—have sprung up, detailing Austin's resistance to Amazon's HQ2 and Apple's second campus in Williamson County. </p><p>When Gov. Stitt <a href="https://twitter.com/GovStitt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1278451464562753537%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Faustonia.com%2Fr%2Fentryeditor%2F2646351652publish" target="_blank">tweeted</a> a link to the former on June 30, it prompted a response from Musk. </p><p>"Wow, I've never seen this level of support!" he wrote. "Out of respect, seems like I should at least visit." </p>From Your Site Articles
- Tesla considering buying Austin site for new factory - austonia ›
- Elon Musk eyes Austin for the Cybertruck - austonia ›
- Travis County delays vote on Tesla's proposed Austin factory ... ›
- Elon Musk seeks to fast-track $1.1 billion Tesla factory in Austin ... ›
- Five reasons why Elon Musk and Grimes should choose Austin ... ›
Related Articles Around the Web
- Tesla Hasn't Broken Tulsa's Heart Yet, Texas Not Confirmed For ... ›
- Tesla CEO Elon Musk makes visit to Tulsa to view possible site for ... ›
- 6 Central Texas sites primed for Tesla factory, other big projects ... ›
- What are the benefits (and drawbacks) of a Tesla plant in the Austin ... ›
- Austin and Tulsa compete for Tesla's next 'gigafactory' — and San ... ›
Keep Reading
Show less
Rocking the Twitterverse on the Fourth of July was Kanye West, who announced that he would be running for president in 2020. Just minutes after tweeting the announcement, potential future Austin resident Elon Musk tweeted his support for West.
<p>This isn't the first time West has said he is running for president. He said he would run in 2020 at the <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/2255838/kanye-west-video-vanguard-acceptance-speech-full/" target="_blank">2015 MTV Music Awards</a>, and in 2019 said he would postpone his candidacy until 2024. He has yet to take action by filing with the <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/05/kanye-west-says-running-president-2020-348903" target="_blank">Federal Election Commission</a>.</p>
<div id="71c9c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c6208e5915befaaf5301fd89380876d8"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1279577069005897728" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">@kanyewest You have my full support!</div> — Elon Musk (@Elon Musk)<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/statuses/1279577069005897728">1593909921.0</a></blockquote></div><p>The Tesla CEO's support for West also gained some traction on Twitter. A <a href="https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/1278353774671802369?s=20" target="_blank">tweet from West</a> shows him at Musk's home on July 1.</p>
<div id="ef8c0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="179ef22a156d5e8d8d9b6e620f144caf"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1278353774671802369" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">When you go to your boys house and you’re both wearing orange 🍊 https://t.co/IyPOdEKaVY</div> — ye (@ye)<a href="https://twitter.com/kanyewest/statuses/1278353774671802369">1593618265.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Tesla is considering <a href="https://austonia.com/technology/elon-musk-tesla" target="_blank">bringing its next "Gigafactory" to Austin</a>. The company headquarters may also be <a href="https://austonia.com/future/elon-musk-grimes" target="_blank">moving to Austin</a> if the deal goes through, leading some in town to question their support for him as he backs West's candidacy. </p>
<div id="30f6a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ad586684c0608eef086d18f28a170120"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1280171157883322368" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Hey Austin - are we really going to give tax breaks to this man? https://t.co/n6IAEq4GMh</div> — Mateo in ATX🌐🌮🚚🌅🌊🏄♂️🏖️🌴🏞️🏘️🌆 (@Mateo in ATX🌐🌮🚚🌅🌊🏄♂️🏖️🌴🏞️🏘️🌆)<a href="https://twitter.com/Mateo_in_ATX/statuses/1280171157883322368">1594051563.0</a></blockquote></div>
From Your Site Articles
- Elon Musk seeks to fast-track $1.1 billion Tesla factory in Austin ... ›
- Travis County delays vote on Tesla's proposed Austin factory ... ›
- Tesla asks Travis County for 20-year property tax rebate deal ... ›
- Elon Musk threatens to move Tesla operations to Texas and Nevada ... ›
- Travis County considers deal to bring Tesla to Austin - austonia ›
- Tesla considering buying Austin site for new factory - austonia ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less
(Mike Mareen/Adobe)
Texas is the home of the pickup truck—roughly one in five sold in the U.S. is bought here. But the next model to be made here may be one unlike any seen before.
<p>If Tesla<a href="https://austonia.com/technology/elon-musk-tesla" target="_blank"> decides to bring its next factory to Austin</a>, the unique-looking Cybertruck would be one of two models produced, and the electric carmaker is pitching it as a natural fit.</p><p>"I think you guys will really enjoy it down in Texas," Rohan Patel, Tesla's director of public policy and business development,<a href="https://austonia.com/tesla-austin-travis-county" target="_blank"> told Travis County commissioners</a>.</p>
<p><br/></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7aa20cbf8012ec63296a27b5a119aca0" id="17600"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1197753752343601153"><div style="margin:1em 0">I don't understand what the fuss is about the Tesla #Cybertruck. It looks ok to me. https://t.co/8vBl1jS74T</div> — dave appleby (@dave appleby)<a href="https://twitter.com/dave_apple/statuses/1197753752343601153">1574401722.0</a></blockquote></div><p>But others are enamored with the vehicle.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a2c810e9750b21937a19c592f395de9f" id="72c20"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1277088627869102081"><div style="margin:1em 0">First, I thought it was a joke, then I thought it was ugly, then I thought it was interesting, then I was obsessed… https://t.co/3SINCp1fhd</div> — Michael Fink (@Michael Fink)<a href="https://twitter.com/Michael01996367/statuses/1277088627869102081">1593316630.0</a></blockquote></div><p>A Cybertruck recently went on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in L.A.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="28a084d5a63e1fd61f24aab9922c028c" id="39a7a"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1275193216560558080"><div style="margin:1em 0">We are honored to have @mayemusk and @ToscaMusk, and @drsabrinakay visit the @Tesla #Cybertruck during our reopenin… https://t.co/0qeawgWMaL</div> — Petersen Museum (@Petersen Museum)<a href="https://twitter.com/Petersen_Museum/statuses/1275193216560558080">1592864729.0</a></blockquote></div><p>The proposed factory would also produce the company's Model Y, a midsize SUV, for East Coast markets, Musk tweeted on March 10.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="29f56ee0a49f58a4d2d0bad93ba84db9" id="3cf7b"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1237531699681980416"><div style="margin:1em 0">Scouting locations for Cybertruck Gigafactory. Will be central USA.</div> — Elon Musk (@Elon Musk)<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/statuses/1237531699681980416">1583885524.0</a></blockquote></div><p>If approved by DVISD and Travis County commissioners, construction could begin on the factory as soon as this fall. </p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzNDI4Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTMzODY5Mn0.-5Snhb_fWi526Vh_507S9PGREauJQXK4XlP6R0AgH5c/img.jpg?width=1200&coordinates=193%2C17%2C8%2C283&height=800" id="379ef" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5b6560089fb2b8cbbfc7a5809394af52" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="cybertruck interior" /><p style="margin-left: 380px;" class="caption"><em>(<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/mrlewaynee" target="_blank">mrlewaynee</a>/<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20191121-tesla-cybertruck-driving-seat.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia</a> via <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>)</em></p><p>Both the Del Valle ISD school board and <a href="https://austonia.com/technology/tesla-factory-texas" target="_self"><u>Travis County Commissioners Court</u></a> are considering tax breaks for Tesla, which has proposed the<a href="https://austonia.com/technology/elon-musk-tesla" target="_self"><u> $1.1 billion "Gigafactory"</u></a> for a site in Southeast Austin and plans to hire 5,000 people to work there.<br></p>
Cybertruck
<p>The vehicle features "a nearly impenetrable exoskeleton" made of stainless steel, "vault-like storage" and an "ability to pull near infinite mass," according to the company's website.<br></p><p>Now available for preorder, production of the Cybertruck is expected to begin in late 2022. The price ranges from $39,900 to $69,900, depending on the motor type, with a self-driving add-on available for $8,000.</p><p>When Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the Cybertruck on Nov. 21 at an event in Los Angeles, it prompted much feedback on its design.</p>From Your Site Articles
- Travis County considers Tesla incentives deal, unions react - austonia ›
- Tesla may get $60 million in tax breaks to bring factory to Austin ... ›
- Tesla asks Travis County for 20-year property tax rebate deal ... ›
- Five reasons why Elon Musk and Grimes should choose Austin ... ›
- Elon Musk seeks to fast-track $1.1 billion Tesla factory in Austin ... ›
- What Tulsa offers Elon Musk for Tesla's next 'Gigafactory' - austonia ›
Related Articles Around the Web
- Tesla eyes Austin and Tulsa for Cybertruck production, report says ... ›
- Tesla Cybertruck factory bakeoff pits Tulsa against Austin | Fortune ›
- Tesla Homes In on Austin, Texas, for Cybertruck Plant Site ... ›
- Talk of Tesla setting up in Austin strengthens - Austin Business Journal ›
- Tesla Austin: A timeline of events | kvue.com ›
Keep Reading
Show less
(Andrei/Adobe Stock)
Travis County commissioners delayed a vote on a multimillion-dollar economic incentives deal with Tesla and gave no indication on when a decision may occur.
<p>
The electric carmaker has proposed <a href="https://austonia.com/technology/elon-musk-tesla" target="_blank">a $1.1 billion "Gigafactory"</a> in Southeast Austin and, in exchange, is seeking property tax breaks from Travis County <a href="https://austonia.com/tesla-austin-travis-county" target="_blank">over a 20-year period</a> and Del Valle ISD <a href="https://austonia.com/technology/tesla-plant-austin" target="_blank">over a 10-year period</a>.</p><p>
Judge Sam Biscoe said last week that a vote might take place Tuesday, but after discussing it privately with county attorneys in executive session decided to push off the decision.
</p><p><br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="087202922a4852d4a1ce8183f697f85a" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MTYgFXLGspc?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Tesla looks to fast-track approval of an Austin 'Gigafactory'</small>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTYgFXLGspc" target="_blank">www.youtube.com</a>
</small>
</p><p><br/></p><p>
<strong>Public comment from both sides</strong>
</p><p>
Commissioners did hear public comment Tuesday from Travis County residents who are decidedly mixed on the deal.
</p><p>
Those who support it said it will bring good-paying jobs that are needed in light of the pandemic and will spur further development around the proposed factory site.
</p><p>"This is not just good news, it's great news, when good news is hard to find," Austin Chamber President and CEO Laura Huffman told commissioners. "These are the jobs we often ask for but sometimes find hard to get."</p><p>
Others oppose the proposal—or at least believe it could be improved.
</p><p>
Juan Belman, who grew up in South Austin, said past economic incentive deals have hurt communities more than helped them.
</p><p>
"I remember before Oracle came to town there used to be a vibrant Latinx community [in Riverside] until they were displaced by Oracle," he said.
</p><p>
Belman is against the deal, which he said will drive resources away from pandemic recovery efforts.
</p><p>
"Our community needs services from its government now more than ever," he said, "and we cannot justify providing incentives to a multibillion-dollar corporation while people are without food on the table."
</p>
From Your Site Articles
- Tesla may get $60 million in tax breaks to bring factory to Austin ... ›
- Tesla to Travis County: Austin is at the top of our list, but we need a ›
- Elon Musk seeks to fast-track $1.1 billion Tesla factory in Austin ... ›
- Elon Musk supports Kanye West running for president in 2020 - austonia ›
- What Tulsa offers Elon Musk for Tesla's next 'Gigafactory' - austonia ›
- Travis County will vote on tax incentive deal for Tesla - austonia ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less
5 reasons why Elon Musk and Grimes should choose Austin over Tulsa for the new Tesla factory—and HQ
26 June
Welcome to austonia.com, a new local news site for Austin. We're an authentically local company—Austin stories, Austin people, Austin advertisers. News, trends, media, topics, people. No paywalls. We cover the changes that are reshaping our city. To get connected, sign up for our free daily AM newsletter update.
Tesla's proposed deal to bring a new "Gigafactory" to Austin was quickly followed by rumors that the company might move its headquarters here too—and along with it, CEO Elon Musk and his family. But the agreements haven't been signed, and as far as anyone knows, Tulsa is still on the table.
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f7e37d7618e27e42e24fcee45cba456d" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MTYgFXLGspc?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Tesla looks to fast-track approval of an Austin 'Gigafactory' (Video by Ethan Hunt)</small>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTYgFXLGspc" target="_blank">www.youtube.com</a>
</small>
</p><p><br/></p><p>Musk is in a relationship and has a son with musician Grimes. So, where does it make the most sense for Musk to bring his family and company? Austin. Here's why.</p>
1. The live music capital of the world
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQxOTU2NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNjczMDE3MX0.Bda2QTZECzY4QW5FZL9_au1Doz8aIQkRwZpdoHweciI/img.jpg?width=980" id="cfb47" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="dee76b9ca1a3f26eda33dac7abb50512" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="ACL Concert Stage" />(Choose_Freewill via Flickr)
<p>Happy wife, happy life, right? What better place for Grimes to move than Austin, with its musical flare. </p><p>She would live among countless other musicians in Austin. Also for her convenience, there are <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/Apps/Music/Directory/results/studios/region/austin/p1" target="_blank">204 recording studios</a> in the Austin area, with endless opportunity to perform live, including at festivals like Austin City Limits, where she has previously performed.</p>2. Friendly neighborhoods for raising children
<div id="ffd66" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5be6124c5af43dc24c5088fccce07162"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1257559216258084864" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">@flcnhvy @TeslaGong @PPathole @priscillabanana https://t.co/lm30U60OtO</div> — Elon Musk (@Elon Musk)<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/statuses/1257559216258084864">1588660456.0</a></blockquote></div><p>With Grimes giving birth to son X AE A-XII last month, Austin would be a great family-friendly place for him to grow up. It has an array of highly-ranked primary and secondary education options.</p><p>Last year, millennials ranked Austin at the top of the list for friendliest, cleanest city in the U.S. in a <a href="https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/millennials-find-austin-to-be-friendliest-cleanest-city-in-america-study-reports#:~:text=Millennials%20find%20Austin%20to%20be%20friendliest,city%20in%20America%2C%20study%20reports&text=AUSTIN%2C%20Texas%20%E2%80%94%20Millennials%20have%20named,study%20from%20The%20Langston%20Co." target="_blank">survey conducted by Langston Co.</a> Austin is known as a progressive city that embraces a "weird" culture—perfect for the child of eccentric parents. </p>3. Highly educated population
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQxOTYwOS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTU5OTQ2NTg5OH0.uEH0wSCu6m_EzlOkYyQOkS35Ga3-SiiXWEXPRqKg1y0/img.png?width=980" id="05530" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="fc0a3af4247ad8045527a137782481eb" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(staff/Austonia)
<p>Between 27 colleges and universities, Austin offers a highly educated labor pool for Tesla, and a great set of potential friends for the family. The need for engineering and technical workers would be easy to find in a city with nearly <a href="https://www.austinchamber.com/economic-development/austin-profile/education/overivew#:~:text=The%20University%20of%20Texas%20and,universities%20enroll%20over%20422%2C000%20students." target="_blank">45% of residents over age 25 having bachelors degrees</a>. </p><p>Also, in-state tuition for X AE A-XII—<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-elon-musk-net-worth-2017-10" target="_blank">not that they need the discount</a>.</p>4. Personality of the city
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzM4OTI2Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjkxODM4NX0.JfuizA-A_2tdd2O3fgam_RSElH2WAnhgobnpVl34UAk/img.jpg?width=980" id="37991" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1fcd926b7ddeb0b019b2c59edd657552" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="austin skyline downtown" />(SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe)
<p>A <a href="https://austonia.com/technology/elon-musk-tesla" target="_blank">source told Austonia</a> that Texas' "entrepreneurial, pioneering personality" matches that of Elon Musk. This couldn't be more true. Tesla could fit right in with the innovative culture of Austin.</p><p>Companies like Optimizely, Indeed and Bumble are just a few that have flourished in the city.</p>5. Live among other celebs
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQxNzU2Ny9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMzA0Mjc1MH0.6CPFTLHNp4fKlVqpshGBmXN8LDagUp_wpWqjGj2buM8/img.jpg?width=980" id="9aadb" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="31757487e8b180c8735dffc907a0391e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(UT College of Communication via Creative Commons)
<p>There are no shortage of celebrities in California, of course, but Musk and his family would have good company as a few of Austin's local stars. It's a spot for celebs to get a smaller-town feel, but still live in a big city. </p><p>Celebrities living in Austin include Matthew McConaughey, Elijah Wood and Jenson Ackles.</p><h5>Want to read more stories like this one? Start every day with a quick look at what's happening in Austin. Sign up for Austonia.com's free daily morning email.</h5>
<!-- Begin Mailchimp Signup Form -->
<link href="//cdn-images.mailchimp.com/embedcode/classic-10_7.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">
<style type="text/css">
#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; }<br />
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.<br />
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */<br />
</style>
<div id="mc_embed_signup">
<form action="https://austonia.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=4d0e7a7bb7e797f1d00b45a6b&id=ad2a1dda78" method="post" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" class="validate" target="_blank" novalidate="">
<div id="mc_embed_signup_scroll">
<div class="mc-field-group">
<label for="mce-EMAIL">Email Address </label>
<input type="email" value="" name="EMAIL" placeholder="️✉️ Enter your email address" class="required email" id="mce-EMAIL"></div>
<div class="mc-field-group input-group" style="display:none"> <strong>Austonia </strong>
<ul>
<li><input checked="checked" value="1" name="group[11998][1]" id="mce-group[11998]-11998-0"></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div id="mce-responses" class="clear">
<div class="response" id="mce-error-response" style="display:none"></div>
<div class="response" id="mce-success-response" style="display:none"></div>
</div>
<!-- real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups-->
<div style="position: absolute; left: -5000px;" aria-hidden="true"><input type="text" name="b_4d0e7a7bb7e797f1d00b45a6b_ad2a1dda78" tabindex="-1" value=""></div>
<div class="clear"><input type="submit" value="Sign up now" name="subscribe" id="mc-embedded-subscribe" class="button"></div>
</div>
</form></div>
<!--End mc_embed_signup--><p><br></p>
From Your Site Articles
- Elon Musk seeks to fast-track $1.1 billion Tesla factory in Austin ... ›
- Tesla considering buying Austin site for new factory - austonia ›
- Travis County considers deal to bring Tesla to Austin - austonia ›
- Elon Musk threatens to move Tesla operations to Texas and Nevada ... ›
- Elon Musk eyes Austin for the Cybertruck - austonia ›
- What Tulsa offers Elon Musk for Tesla's next 'Gigafactory' - austonia ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less
Tesla to Travis County: Austin is at the top of our list, but we need a 20-year tax rebate deal
24 June
The Model Y is one of two Tesla vehicles that would be produced in the proposed Austin factory.
Travis County is at the top of Tesla's list of possible locations for a new "Gigafactory," a representative for the electric carmaker told Travis County commissioners yesterday—it also wants a 20-year break on property taxes.
<p>The meeting marked the first time a <a href="https://austonia.com/tesla-austin-incentives" target="_blank">proposed</a> $14 million economic incentives deal—which would see<a href="https://austonia.com/technology/elon-musk-tesla" target="_blank"> Tesla build a $1.1 billion factory</a> in Southeast Travis County, hire 5,000 workers and receive a significant county property tax rebate for 20 years—was discussed publicly. </p><p>Rohan Patel, Tesla's senior global director for public policy and business development, told commissioners that Travis County stands out among other contenders,<a href="https://austonia.com/report-teslas-next-factory-will-be-in-austin" target="_blank"> such as Tulsa</a>, despite Texas' burdensome property taxes. </p><p>This is a particular concern for Tesla, Patel explained, because the company relies on "some of the most expensive equipment on the planet," which contributes to its state property tax bill. </p><p>"The incentives here in Texas and Travis County would not be a reason for us to choose this location … but they are a prerequisite to make the economics of a factory work," he said.</p><p><br/></p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7a4651005a5918b46a4c87b9f2b4ce91" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MTYgFXLGspc?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Tesla looks to fast-track approval of an Austin 'Gigafactory' (Video by Ethan Hunt)</small>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTYgFXLGspc" target="_blank">www.youtube.com</a>
</small>
</p>
<p><br/></p><p><strong>A long-term deal</strong></p><p>Documents published in advance of the meeting provided tax estimates for only 10 years, but at the meeting Diana Ramirez, director of economic development and strategic investments for the county, and Patel confirmed that the company has requested a 20-year rebate term, the same as an earlier agreement <a href="https://www.kut.org/post/travis-county-temporarily-stops-tax-break-incentive-program-companies" target="_blank">between the county and Samsung</a>.</p><p><span></span>Competitors have offered Tesla better terms, Patel said, but Travis County stands apart because of its diverse workforce, a potential partnership with Del Valle ISD and the opportunity to transform a mining site into a sustainable factory.</p><p>Travis County staff have negotiated a proposed deal that would see Tesla pay its full property tax bill to the county each year and, if it complies with the agreed-upon terms, received an 80% rebate for 10 years and then a 60% rebate for another 10 years following.</p><p>Tesla is also negotiating <a href="https://austonia.com/technology/tesla-plant-austin" target="_self"><u>a separate $68 million economic incentive agreement</u></a> with DVISD.</p><p><strong>For and against</strong></p><p>More than 40 people signed up to speak on the proposal during the public comment portion of the meeting.</p><p>Ed Latson, executive director of the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association, said large manufacturers such as Tesla are most able to move the needle on job creation. "I think what's before us and what's before you, is an opportunity to change generations," he told commissioners.</p><p><span></span>But many also spoke in opposition to the proposal, raising concerns about Tesla's <a href="https://www.texasaflcio.org/news/uaw-asks-travis-county-commission-carefully-review-public-subsidy-tesla-cite" target="_blank"><u>troubled history with public subsidies</u></a>, barring entry of <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2019/03/01/tesla-safety-violations-dwarf-big-us-auto-plants-in-aftermath-of-musks-model-3-push/#3710145b54ce" target="_blank"><u>state safety inspectors</u></a> into its factories and flouting of <a href="https://www.vox.com/recode/2020/6/9/21285625/coronavirus-tesla-elon-musk-fremont-factory" target="_blank"><u>shelter-in-place rules</u></a>.</p><p><span></span>Jordan McCray, a resident, asked, "How can we provide public subsidies to a company that has demonstrated such disregard for the rule of law and the safety of its workers?"</p><p>The Commissioners Court will take up the deal again next week and may vote on it, County Judge Sam Biscoe said. </p>
From Your Site Articles
- Tesla considering buying Austin site for new factory - austonia ›
- Travis County considers $15 million incentives deal for Tesla factory ... ›
- Travis County considers Tesla incentives deal, unions react - austonia ›
- Tesla may get $60 million in tax breaks to bring factory to Austin ... ›
- Travis County delays vote on Tesla's proposed Austin factory - austonia ›
- Travis County delays vote on Tesla's proposed Austin factory - austonia ›
- Elon Musk eyes Austin for the Cybertruck - austonia ›
- Elon Musk supports Kanye West running for president in 2020 - austonia ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less
