History of the Austin Letter

Founded in 1979, The Austin Letter is the oldest, most respected and best known newsletter published in Austin, Texas. It is the only publication to offer a mix of business and political news, perspectives and insights. We count among our subscribers the city's business and political decision-makers.

Published 50 weeks of the year, we cover trends and developments at city hall, we follow the city's financial, real estate, manufacturing and technology sectors, and we provide general business news. You get an inside look at how things work, a clear-eyed perspective on muddled public issues, and pertinent, inside information.

Although we often break news, we are best known for our thoughtful analysis and perspective. We do not take positions and we have no political bias. But, we have been around long enough to know what news developments mean and to predict what the future holds.

Over the years, The Austin Letter has successfully predicted major long-term economic developments, identified trends long before they were common knowledge and provided knowledgeable perspective on day-to-day issues.

Neal Spelce, Editor/Publisher

Neal Spelce started covering news in Austin in 1956. He has won two of the nation's highest awards for journalism and two lifetime communications achievement awards.

In addition to his widely recognized journalistic credentials, Spelce's business background is unparalleled. He's been the CEO and founder of several Austin and national communications companies, served on four bank boards, and owned and operated radio stations in Texas. His office housed the "war room" effort in 1983 to successfully recruit MCC and SEMATECH, beginning the high tech revolution in Austin. And, he coined Austin's unofficial designation as "Silicon Hills."

Spelce holds three degrees from UT Austin, with additional graduate study in government and economics at Columbia University. He has been named "Outstanding Alumnus" of UT's College of Communication and one of "One Hundred Distinguished University of Texas Alumni" on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the UT Ex-Students' Association. Additionally, he has chaired the Communication College's Foundation Advisory Board and served on UT's Graduate School of Business Foundation Board, and the Boards of UT's Bureau of Business Research and UT's Office of Survey Research.

He has not only reported - and been involved in - major economic changes and trends in the Austin area for almost 45 years, but he has been an active leader in the area's civic life. His service as Chair of United Way, Chair of the Chamber, Chair of Better Business Bureau, Chair of Boy Scouts, Chair of Leadership Austin, as well as Chair of eight other civic organizations led him to be named Austin's Most Worthy Citizen.