In Austin, pride, growth and transit followed Apple investment

With Monday's announcement that North Carolina would get its own Apple campus, WRAL News sent Joe Fisher to Austin to see what the Triangle can learn.

“We are trying to have that growth while preserving the magic of this place," said Austin Mayor Steve Adler.

Apple already employs about 7,000 high-paid workers in Austin.

Adler says the Triangle will see some similar boosts in the coming years.

“I think in this community, Apple has a really good brand. They did everything they say they were going to do and more,” he said.

Like RTP, Austin is known as a technology hub. Business leaders there say the Triangle can expect more development to follow.

“This is chapter one of a future of technology and innovation investments for you. That’s what we have seen in Austin," Laura Huffman, president and CEO of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, told WRAL News.

“We just need to move more people more places in the city, and that’s not going to happen until the alternative to cars is faster, cheaper, safer and more convenient," he said. "That’s been a real significant investment in our community.”

Austin's light rail is expected to roll out by 2029. By then, Apple is expected to have added thousands of more jobs in a city it has called home for 30 years.

“People are really proud to have Apple here," Huffman said. "It’s such cutting edge technology.”