Civic Economics was established in July of 2002 by veteran economic development consultants. Dan Houston is based in Austin. Matt Cunningham is based in Chicago.

Dan Houston, based in Austin, is emerging as a leading practitioner of progressive economic development.  His firm, Civic Economics provides businesses, communities, and civic organizations with creative tools to achieve sustainable prosperity.  The young firm has gained wide notice for its innovative approach to economic challenges and its dedication to citizen engagement.

Before establishing Civic Economics with partner Matt Cunningham, Dan served as Senior Project Manager for a national firm focused on technology-led economic development. There, he led strategic planning initiatives for the firm’s community clients in addition to site selection, real estate, and development analyses.

From his base in Austin, Dan applies varied experiences to the needs of his clients. Dan has led strategic planning initiatives in cities as diverse as Midland, Texas, New Orleans, Louisiana, Wenatchee, Washington, and Brownsville, Pennsylvania.  He is also a frequent speaker before students, the public, and seasoned professionals, addressing themes of economic and community development.

A native of Tulsa, Dan is a graduate of the University of Kansas and Tulane Law School.  As an attorney, Dan practiced in the areas of civil rights and mass torts, eventually serving as Assistant Special Master for Appeals in the largest multi-district litigation in American history. At the age of 30, he left the law to pursue a Master's Degree in Community and Regional Planning at the University of Texas at Austin, with an emphasis in economic and real estate development.

Contact Dan by E-Mail
or at 512.853.9044