The Imagine Austin Speaker Series is an opportunity to promote and implement the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan through shared dialogue and mutual learning. We invite targeted thought leaders from around the nation to give talks on various subjects to promote and implement the vision and policies set forth in Imagine Austin.

Upcoming Speaker Series:

Stay tuned for more info on the next event!


Watch our most recent Speaker Series

Climate Migration: How could sea-level rise impact the U.S., including Central Texas?


 

Rain to River Strategic Plan Update Webinar

Partnering with Community Leaders: Equity-Focused Approaches to Community Engagement for the Rain to River Strategic Plan Update

View a presentation slide deck (PDF) from the webinar.

  Watch on YouTube

Vea una presentacion de diapositivas (PDF) del seminario web.

  Vea en YouTube

2020 US Census: Takeaways and Trends for Central Texas

Description: In this webinar, Lila Valencia, the City of Austin’s Demographer, presented dynamic demographic trends and social equity concerns of the U.S. 2020 Census for Central Texas.

View a presentation slide deck (PDF) from the webinar.

 Watch on YouTube

Taking the Next Step in Civic Engagement: How to Volunteer to Serve on Local
Boards and Commissions

Description: This webinar features Myrna Rios, the Deputy City Clerk, who will discuss how to apply to be appointed to one of the City of Austin’s 70 diverse boards and commissions, and active board and commission members will discuss their experiences, what goes into their decision-making processes, and their interests in serving the community.

View a transcript of audience Questions and Answers (PDF) from the webinar.

 Watch on YouTube

Project Connect "Ask me anything" Webinar

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Description: The Project Connect team hosted several virtual community meetings for the public to share the most recent updates about the Orange, Blue, Red and MetroRapid Projects, with light rail, regional rail and high-frequency bus lines that will serve communities across our city, with a downtown subway and connections to the airport.

 Watch on YouTube

The Circular Economy: Combating Inequality and Environmental Injustice

Dr. Garry Cooper, CEO and Co-Founder of Rheaply

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Description: In his talk, Garry will discuss the role of the circular economy in combating inequality and environmental injustice. He will also elaborate on the need for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) voices in this sector and how communities and governments can better support BIPOC circular entrepreneurship.

What is the Circular Economy?

A circular economy is an economic system where waste is designed out, and products are kept circulating in productive use at their highest value for as long as possible. Want to learn more before the event? Check out this resource, and the City of Austin's Circular Economy Program.

 Watch on YouTube

Making minimalism and zero waste meaningful

Dara Zycherman, Owner of Less Equals More

Tuesday, January 19

Description: Minimalism and zero waste can help reduce expenses and stress and serve as a sustainability strategy. But how do you approach these efforts without getting lost in perfectionism or decision-making fatigue? During this Speaker Series event, speaker Dara Zycherman will discuss the connection between minimalism and meaning, and how to achieve a simpler home and lifestyle. Dara owns the Austin-based business Less Equals More and is an expert on the intersection between organization, minimalism, and sustainability. She is also a podcaster, blogger and was a 2018 TEDx Speaker.

 Watch on YouTube

Thrift Store Planet: Journeys into a New World of Re-use and Recycling

Dara Zycherman, Owner of Less Equals More

Tuesday, January 19

Description: Minimalism and zero waste can help reduce expenses and stress and serve as a sustainability strategy. But how do you approach these efforts without getting lost in perfectionism or decision-making fatigue? During this Speaker Series event, speaker Dara Zycherman will discuss the connection between minimalism and meaning, and how to achieve a simpler home and lifestyle. Dara owns the Austin-based business Less Equals More and is an expert on the intersection between organization, minimalism, and sustainability. She is also a podcaster, blogger and was a 2018 TEDx Speaker.

 Watch on YouTube

Old Buildings in a Changing Austin: Historic Preservation, Density, and Affordability

 

Dr. Mike PoweNational Trust for Historic Preservation

Wednesday, September 25

Description: Historic preservation is used across the country to support small businesses, provide affordable housing, and preserve community heritage. What is its role in Austin where a booming economy is spurring calls for higher-density development and production of housing on a much larger scale?

Old Buildings in a Changing Austin Presentation PDF

 Watch on YouTube

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