City of Austin

AUSTIN, TX — Austin City Council has authorized an economic preservation agreement with The Vortex through the Place-Based Enhancement Program, a Chapter 380 incentive designed to provide real estate relief to long-standing community organizations. Austin Economic Development is also advancing a Place-Based Enhancement agreement with Circle C Childhood Development Center (CDC) as part of the same program.

The Vortex, a creative theatre in East Austin, has served as a performance space and community gathering place for more than 38 years. The venue hosts year-round original professional theatre productions and features a nationally certified butterfly sanctuary, the Butterfly Bar, and local food trucks. Through the Place-Based Enhancement Program, the Vortex agreement provides up to $107,803 in incentives over a five-year term.

The project is projected to generate more than $1.12 million in total net fiscal benefits to the City over five years, including over $1 million tied to tourism spending from non-local patrons attending performances and events. The agreement will also help restore lost operating funding, support the re-establishment of staff positions, and strengthen the organization’s long-term stability, including positioning The Vortex for potential property acquisition.

Austin Economic Development is also advancing a Place-Based Enhancement agreement with Circle C Childhood Development Center. The center, established in 1994, is a neighborhood preschool focused on high-quality early childhood education. The center serves families across the Austin community and offers need-based scholarships to support access to early learning opportunities. Designed to help offset property and sales tax costs for this narrow-margin business, the Circle C CDC agreement includes a maximum award of $30,765 over five years.

Both organizations are recognized as legacy businesses, each serving the Austin community for more than 30 years. Through this support, their cultural, educational, and community-centered activities are expected to continue benefiting Austin residents.

“Austin’s creative and community-serving organizations are essential to the strength and character of our local economy,” said Anthony Segura, Deputy Director of Austin Economic Development. “Programs like the Place-Based Enhancement Program help ensure that legacy institutions, from performing arts venues to childcare providers, can continue serving our community while contributing to Austin’s economic strength.”

The Place-Based Enhancement Program is one of three business incentive programs administered by Austin Economic Development’s Business Incentives and Expansion division. These agreements help offset economic pressures and ensure that organizations providing high community impact can continue operating in Austin. To learn more about Place-Based Enhancement and other business incentives, submit an Incentive Inquiry on the Business Incentives and Expansion website.

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About Austin Economic Development 
Austin Economic Development supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more, subscribe to our newsletter or connect with us @AustinEconDev on Facebook, @AustinEconDev on X, and @AustinEconDev on YouTube.