« How Austin Maintains Culture As Local Economy Grows - Matt Curtis »

In Chapter 15 of 18 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, public affairs and communications strategist Matt Curtis answers "How Do You Support Community Culture as Your Own City Becomes an International Economic Center?" Curtis notes how Austin has been doubling in size every 25 years. He meets the challenge maintaining culture while growing local economy by embracing change while keeping a steady way of life and state of mind. It comes down to supporting state of mind and understanding neighborhoods and businesses will change. This allows Curtis and Austin leaders to keep Austin weird and grow the local economy. Curtis is the communications director for Austin mayor Lee Leffingwell. Curtis' charity work includes affiliations with Capital Area Food Bank, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Students of the World, the Rainforest Project and the Art Alliance. In 2011, Curtis won "Austinite of the Year" in the Austin Under 40 Awards. He earned his bachelor's degree in radio, television and film from the University of North Texas.