New America and ACCT case study examines ACC’s use of workforce data, regional partnerships, and long-term planning
Austin Community College District (ACC) has been recognized as a national model for regional economic impact in a research brief by New America’s Future of Work & Innovation Economy initiative and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)’s Center for Policy & Practice.
This brief is the first publication under the Accelerator for Community Colleges in the Innovation Economy–a strategic initiative New America launched with the U.S. National Science Foundation in 2024 to build the capacity of two-year college partners in federally funded tech-based economic development and regional economic development initiatives.
“Community colleges are the glue that brings together what employers, communities, and students need to build a future that works for everyone. We can’t do that work alone. It takes strong partnerships across government, industry, philanthropy, and education, along with the trust and resources to let local leaders act on what their communities need most,” said ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “At ACC, that support allows us to make bold, informed investments in what’s next. When national partners invest in local leadership, community colleges can turn innovation into real opportunity and make sure that opportunity reaches the people and communities who need it most.”
The ACC case study, titled “Austin Community College: How to Leverage Data, a ‘Futurist,’ and City Partnerships for Economic Impact,” examines how the College aligned institutional planning and resources with Central Texas workforce needs following passage of the federal CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.
The report highlights several ACC strategies:
- Data-Driven Board Governance: ACC’s Board of Trustees incorporated semiannual, data-focused work sessions into its meeting schedule, using labor market information to inform institutional priorities, policy decisions, and resource allocation.
- Investment in Advanced Manufacturing: Trustees approved using bond funds to expand advanced manufacturing facilities and workforce training at ACC’s Highland and Round Rock campuses in response to regional industry needs.
- Student Employment Outcomes: ACC was selected as one of five Texas colleges to partner with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) on access to wage data. The partnership allows the College to track graduates’ employment and earnings outcomes three, five, and 10 years after graduation.
- Long-Term Planning Through the Office for the Future: ACC established the Office for the Future, led by Executive Vice Chancellor for the Future Dr. Monique Reeves. The office works with regional partners, including the City of Austin and Travis County, to examine demographic and economic trends and help align institutional planning with anticipated community needs.
- Regional and National Collaboration: ACC launched the Alliance of Future Makers, a national initiative that brings together educators, higher education leaders, and other partners to explore emerging trends and develop strategies for the future of education.
National Findings
In February 2026, New America and ACCT partnered to scale the program across the entire community college sector with an initial focus on leveraging college governance to build the capacity of community colleges for regional and tech-based economic development.
The broader New America and ACCT brief draws on a national survey of community college presidents and trustees across 29 states and territories. More than 90% of respondents identified economic development as extremely relevant to their institutions’ missions. The report also examines barriers that can limit colleges’ efforts, including funding constraints, staffing capacity, and gaps in communication between federal and state agencies.
Tags: Association of Community College Trustees, Board of Trustees, trustee
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