Officials to update Council on effects of Mayo expansion

Published 4:26 pm Saturday, May 4, 2013

The Austin City Council could get an idea of the economic impact Mayo Clinic’s Destination Medical Center expansion plan will have on the area this Monday.

The council will hear details on the initiative from Mayo representatives during its work session Monday, specifically measures included in the state Senate Tax Omnibus bill.

Mayo originally requested $525 million from the state over a 20-year period to fund infrastructure improvements, while the hospital would contribute more than $3.5 billion to expand its services in Rochester.

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Legislators balked at the request, however, instead offering state aid once Mayo spent at least $200 million on the project. The Senate’s public aid package included measures such as infrastructure aid up to $327 million given in annual increments based on Mayo spending, which wouldn’t exceed $30 million a year.

Council members will also discuss a Vision 2020 request for $10,000 to use on rebranding efforts for Austin. Vision 2020 organizers have formed a group to work with consultants and create a new identity campaign for the city, to accentuate its positives and attract more people. Organizers plan to raise $70,000 in total, and are requesting funding from the city of Austin, the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Development Corporation of Austin, the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Hormel Foundation.

The last time the city underwent a public relations campaign was in 1991, with the “Growing Together” campaign put on by local officials. Vision 2020 organizers are interviewing consultants to help with the latest efforts, and once finished, the campaign would be included in the city website, directional signage and many other projects.