Matthew Schmidt

About Matthew Schmidt

Thriving where culture and economy collide. Crafting strategies that help cities grow their stories as much as their bottom lines. Equal parts policy nerd and creative instigator, passionate about turning local character into lasting economic opportunity.

Experience

1. Division Manager, Business Incentives & Expansion

   City of Austin

   Nov 2025 — Present · Austin, TX, US

   Leads Austin Economic Development’s Business Incentives & Expansion Division. At the intersection of economic and cultural development, we work to grow Austin’s tax base through strategic investments while cultivating thriving economic and cultural districts through intentional, place-based initiatives that center culture, small business, and quality of life.

Education

• Texas A&M University

  Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Leadership and Development

  2004 — 2007

• Leadership Austin

  Emerge, Cohort 16

• Norman Borlaug Institute

  Certificate, International Agriculture and Resource Management

• Texas A&M University

  Masters of Agriculture, Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications

  2007 — 2009

• Bush School of Government and Public Service

  Certificate, Advanced International Affairs

Skills

• Economic Development
• Government
• Customer Service
• Contract Management
• Strategic Planning
• Analysis
• Program Management
• Grants
• Community Development
• Policy
• Public Speaking
• Fundraising
• Research
• Community Outreach
• Non-Profits
• Public Policy
• Grant Writing
• Volunteer Management
• Economics
• Program Development
• Data Analysis
• Media Relations
• Public Relations
• Organizational Development
• Budgets
• Event Planning
• Social Media
• Social Networking
• Project Planning
• Strategic Communications
• Proposal Writing
• Leadership Development
• Policy Analysis
• Leadership
• Politics
• Urban Planning
• Legislative Relations
• Nonprofits
• Nonprofit Organizations