LEMI 101 - Austin Levers of Economic Mobility Index

This City of Austin meeting held on August 7, 2026, focused on presenting and demonstrating the Austin Levers of Economic Mobility Index (LEMI), an interactive data tool designed to identify and address structural barriers affecting economic mobility in Austin communities. City staff and partners from Every Texan explained the index's framework, which includes 18 levers organized into themes such as health and well-being, livelihood and work, and access and belonging. The tool integrates quantitative data with community knowledge to guide targeted investments, policy development, and cross-departmental collaboration. While no specific procurement or budget decisions were made during the meeting, the presenters noted that LEMI is intended to inform future resource allocation and budget planning. The session included a live demonstration of the tool’s features, discussion of data sources and update cycles, and a Q&A addressing community engagement, data interpretation, and integration with other city initiatives like the Climate Equity Plan. Resources and technical documentation for LEMI will be made publicly available on the City of Austin’s website.