2011: Visionary Leader Passes

Eric Mitchell served as an Austin City Council member from 1994 to 1997. He was the visionary behind the formation of ARA and helped to navigate the political quagmire to establish our direction. Mitchell was a businessman who worked with the Black community and faith leaders to secure the first investment of federal funds in November 1995 totaling $9 million. The funds were used to acquire land along E. 11th and 12th Streets and clean up lots that had long deteriorated by removing old buildings. They were also used to develop the Central East Austin Master Plan.

Mitchell’s original desire was to steward more than $100 million in public investment in East Austin. He helped to recruit Byron Marshall, former Austin City Manager to serve as the CEO of ARA, who was joined by Dr. Charles Urdy, former Mayor Pro Tem of the Austin City Council.