The Travis County Commissioner’s Court has approved an incentives package for computing company Apple to expand operations in Austin.
As reported earlier today,Travis County is estimated to give Apple between $5.4 and $6.4 million dollars in tax rebates over 15 years. This comes on top of Austin's estimated $8.6 million in tax rebates over the next ten years, and the state's $21 million in incentives. In return, Apple says it will bring well over 3,000 jobs to the Austin area.
County commissioners said Apple should consider economically disadvantaged individuals for employment. However, that’s not stipulated as part of the contract’s requirement.
“We are happy to continue to partner with groups and programs that share our commitment to helping provide a diverse and qualified workforce,” said Jason Lundgaard, a local and state governmental affairs manager for Apple. “That’s something we are willing to do but I don’t think it’s appropriate to include as a performance metric in the deal.”
Lundgaard said Apple will not disclose its employment demographics or geographics. Travis County’s analysis suggests Apple could generate $15 million for the county over the next fifteen years.
