Another Tale of Two Cities: What Two Capital City, University Towns Can Learn From Each Other

Another Tale of Two Cities: What Two Capital City, University Towns Can Learn From Each Other

Researcher:Andy Redman
Date: May 2004
Publication Type: Professional Report (Full Report). Contact rmcpubs@raymarshallcenter.org for printed copies.
Another Tale of Two Cities: A Summary of the Lessons Learned: What Two Capital City, University Towns Can Learn From Each Other (summary report) (PDF)

Abstract: This is the tale of how Austin, Texas, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, two college-town, state capitals, diverged during the past thirty years so much that Austin now has twice as many jobs and people as Baton Rouge. What were the causes for such a dramatic growth in Austin? In spite of the initial similarities, why has Baton Rouge not kept up with the Texas capital? The author explores these questions by trying to explain the factors that have led to slower growth in Baton Rouge compared to Austin. His key findings and recommendations are based on an in depth comparison of the Austin and Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Areas using literature, data, interviews, and other resources to analyze the following areas: demographic characteristics, the history of leadership and development, the economy and cost of doing business, and the education system.