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As you drive Austin area roadways and watch the falling prices on gas station reader boards, you probably wonder how long the lowering gasoline price situation will continue. One seasoned observer sees a cautiously optimistic outlook.

Austin area sales tax collections – a measure of retail vitality – were up in June, compared to the year before. But not by much.

Speaking of taxes, a recent report ranks Texas 43rd on the list of state-by-state tax environments. Hey, not to worry. Number One is the worst.

Count your lucky tax stars. After all, you could be living and working in California, where the governor is proposing a sales tax increase.

Often overlooked when economic vitality is measured is an analysis of non-essential spending by residents of the Austin area. One anecdote reveals an interesting result.

Over the past three decades, Austin has made smart, strategic decisions about creating an economic and social climate where technology companies flourish and the people who work for them can enjoy a high quality of life – so reports an out-of-state journalist.

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