Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American CityVista, Henry Cisneros, will present his ideas for developing competitively priced "villages within cities" to Austin's business community at noon Thursday, March 29, 2001, in the Mabee Ballroom of the Ragsdale Center at St. Edward's University.

Cisneros joined forces with national homebuilder Kaufman and Broad in August for the purpose of building homes in the central zones of America's major metropolitan areas. Using a "smart-growth strategy," Cisneros says the joint venture of American CityVista will provide new residential options for individuals of all backgrounds and incomes. What will distinguish American CityVista is that its developments will be wired for technology, yet designed to honor local tastes and traditions. The company has targeted cities in Texas, Arizona, Nevada, California and Denver initially for development. Texas cities being considered for new neighborhoods include Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, Edinburg, Harlingen, Houston, Laredo, McAllen and San Antonio.

As former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Houston and Urban Development and former president of Univision Communications, Cisneros brings a wealth of information, ideas and perspectives to St. Edward's University and its business community.

In 1975, Cisneros was elected to the San Antonio City Council where he served for six years. In 1981, he became the first Hispanic mayor of a major U.S. city when San Antonians elected him as mayor of the nation's 10th largest city. He served four terms from 1981 to 1989, rebuilding San Antonio's economic base, recruiting businesses, expanding housing opportunities and increasing tourism.

A native of San Antonio, Cisneros was born June 11, 1947. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from Texas A&M University as well as a master of arts degree in urban and regional planning. Cisneros also earned a master of arts degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a doctorate in public administration from George Washington University.

The Business Development Council (BDC), a group of business leaders who serve as donors and advisors to St. Edward's University, is sponsoring Cisneros' address to the Austin area business community.

St. Edward's University is an independent Catholic liberal arts university of 3,800 students in Austin. It was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross.