HISTORY

AARO was founded in 1980. It began as a group of business leaders who got together informally to discuss mutual concerns. There was a realization that too often politics and short term goals get in the way of good planning and sound judgment in running the city and preparing for its future. There was a concern that the shortsightedness of politicians and special interest groups might compromise Austin's potential.

Another concern was that the business community also had a tendency to look at short-term goals rather than the long term best interest and overall economic viability of the community. There seemed to be no unity, no communication or dialogue among top business leaders so they could at least share the same information, if not identical conclusions.

In 1980, Austin Area Research Organization, Inc. was incorporated. From 1980 to 1992, AARO was composed of chief executive officers or their equivalents. Members of the organization met on a regular basis to discuss long-range issues facing the community. In some cases, AARO acted as a catalyst to form a separate organization to perform a specific task. At other times, AARO worked through existing organizations, encouraging them to take needed action.

The organization is not well known, and that is its design. AARO does not seek credit or publicity for itself but prefers to work behind the scenes, as an impetus for sound regional management and planning.

In 1993, AARO held a retreat that was the culmination of a yearlong effort to reevaluate and define AARO's vision for itself. During the retreat, the membership decided it wanted to increase the diversity of its membership to include not just CEOs but also community leaders who agree with the precept that "a healthy economy is fundamental to the quality of life of the area's citizens." The membership also decided that rather than acting solely as a behind-the-scenes player, it wanted to be a more proactive organization, working collaboratively on community issues.

In 1998, the organization revisited its proactive stance and adopted a formal vision: AARO is the keeper of a dynamic strategic vision for Central Texas and facilitator of projects, important to that strategic vision. AARO also expanded its focus to include the 5 counties of the Austin-Round Rock SMSA: Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson.

AARO accomplishes its mission to facilitate the long-term economic and social well-being of Central Texas by keeping a dynamic strategic vision and facilitating projects important to that vision in seven priority areas: Leadership, Water, Transportation, Social Equity, Education (Pre K - 12), Higher Education, and Healthcare.