Austin Hracs

MA
Development Analyst

t. +416 367 3535 / 227
e. ahracs@millierdickinsonblais.com

Austin is a Development Analyst at Millier Dickinson Blais. He completed his Masters of Geography, with a focus on regional economic development, at Queen’s University. Austin also has an Honours Degree in both Political Science and Geography from Brock University.

Austin discovered a passion for regional planning and economic development while at Brock University. There he worked to understand the economic trajectory of the City of St. Catharines and the broader Region of Niagara in southern Ontario.  While at Queen’s University, Austin examined Richard Florida’s Creative Capital Model of Economic Development as it pertains to smaller urban centers across southern Ontario. In response to particular gaps in Florida’s model, Austin incorporated the insights of cultural geographers as they relate to race and class in an effort to move beyond an essentialized reading of racial diversity in the economic performance of city-regions.

Prior to joining Millier Dickinson Blais, Austin worked as an analyst in the housing industry where he examined regional economic and housing trends in Ontario and across the southern United States. As a Research Associate at Queen’s University, Austin also published work on the North American automotive sector regarding the regulatory challenges and employment trends resulting from global climate change.

Austin was born and raised in the City of Richmond Hill, Ontario. He presently lives in Toronto with his partner Natalie and works out of our Toronto office.