As a coalition of businesses committed to promoting fair wages, equitable benefits, and a thriving local economy, we understand that affordable childcare is a critical pillar in building a more inclusive and resilient workforce.

Many of our member businesses recognize firsthand how the lack of affordable childcare creates a barrier for employees, especially for working parents striving to balance their professional and personal lives. Data collected in a 2024 survey by the Greater Austin Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association demonstrated that less than 10% of employees have access to sufficient childcare to meet their needs. Research by the Urban Institute noted that in Travis County, 69% of children under age 6 have parents working in food services outside of the 9-5 business hours where childcare is not readily available.

By championing solutions that expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare, Affordable Childcare Today is not only addressing a critical social need but also contributing to a healthier business ecosystem and a more equitable community. We believe that investments in affordable childcare yield significant long-term benefits for employers, employees, and society at large. These investments lead to improved employee retention, increased productivity, and greater economic stability for families. Most importantly, they provide children with the early education and care they need to thrive.

Good Work Austin is proud to stand alongside Affordable Childcare Today in advocating for meaningful policies and programs that make childcare more affordable and accessible to all. We look forward to continued collaboration and offer our full support for Travis County Proposition A. Together, we can create a future where all working families have access to the support they need to succeed.

When small businesses and hospitality industry workers have a voice, we help strengthen our community.

As Austin continues to grow, it will continue to be necessary for us to maintain and support our local small business culture.

GWA represents local businesses doing good work within their organization as well as within the community. We help connect businesses to volunteer opportunities, and provide other ways to serve and strengthen our neighborhoods.

GWA encourages businesses to form partnerships and alliances with neighbors in the community in order to stay connected with each other and be aware of local issues as they arise.

We offer opportunities to meet with your with legislators, advocate at City Hall and the Texas Capitol, and ensure that your employees are registered to vote and educated on the issues.

GWA supports restaurants by paying them to provide nutritious meals for food insecure communities through our Community Kitchen program.

Participating restaurants guarantee that their workers are being paid the City of Austin’s Living Wage (currently $15/hour) and provide all food in recyclable or compostable packaging.

We have distributed more than 2 million meals, keeping more than $10 million dollars in our local economy, and ensuring more local restaurants can stay in business.

To learn more about our GWA Community Kitchen, or to sign your restaurant up to participate, please contact us!

GWA helps businesses save money while implementing more environmentally-friendly practices.

Find out more: Zero Waste Business Rebate

GWA partners with local nonprofit organization Plastic Reduction Project, which offers free consultations to help businesses reduce the use of single-use plastics and save money.