Souly Austin

Souly Austin is a place-based economic development program focused on creating and retaining strong, vibrant, culturally rich and diverse neighborhood business districts throughout Austin. Under the initiative, business owners receive a flexible set of tools to assist in the formation of merchants associations and organized commercial districts.

Merchants Associations are groups of area business owners that exist to anchor and stabilize neighborhood businesses around beautification efforts, marketing and promotions, business retention, and economic development activities within a commercial district.

A vibrant commercial district offers a range of retail, restaurants, and services that reflect a unique culture and provide goods, services, and amenities to the community. These elements are essential to a socially and economically healthy Austin based in “complete communities” called for in both Imagine Austin and the City Council’s Strategic Direction.