Austin Fair Chance Hiring Job Fair September 30 Brings On-the-Spot Interviews
Published: September 23, 2026 | By LocalJobPage Team
AUSTIN, TX — A record on your background check doesn't have to be the end of the conversation. On Wednesday, September 30, the City of Austin opens its 2026 Fair Chance Hiring Job and Resource Fair at the Permitting and Development Center in North Central Austin, bringing public agencies, private employers and support organizations under one roof for a day of face-to-face hiring, with some interviews happening on the spot.
Free, in person, and built for job seekers who usually get screened out first: justice-involved residents, veterans, workers 50 and older, and people with disabilities.
Ready to search? Skip straight to the job links and start looking now →
📍 At a Glance
| Event | 2026 City of Austin Fair Chance Hiring Job and Resource Fair |
| Date | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 |
| Time | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Location | City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, TX 78752 |
| Cost | Free |
| Format | In person |
| Registration | City of Austin Eventbrite page |
| Organizer | City of Austin Human Resources, Talent Acquisition |
🔥 Who the City Is Recruiting
The fair is open to the public, but the city's announcement is clear about who it was designed for. Justice-involved residents come first on that list, followed by veterans, people 50 and older, people with disabilities and other job seekers who run into barriers in a standard application process.
Employers were picked with that audience in mind. The city says it gave priority to businesses willing to hire candidates with criminal records and able to offer living-wage positions. You'll be talking with people who already expect applicants with a history.
💼 What Happens on the Floor
Expect a mix of public agencies, private companies, temporary staffing firms and community resource organizations. Hiring managers will run on-the-spot interviews, and qualified candidates for City of Austin positions may walk out with a same-day contingent job offer. A contingent offer still depends on the rest of the city's hiring steps, so treat it as a strong start rather than a finished deal.
The resource tables can help with documents, training and resumes in the same trip. No employer roster has been published yet, so we can't tell you which companies will be at which tables. Check the Eventbrite page the morning of the fair for any updates.
✅ How to Show Up Ready
- Bring several printed copies of your resume. If you don't have one, come anyway and ask the resource tables for help.
- Dress like you're interviewing, because you might be.
- Carry a photo ID and your work history with dates and contacts written down.
- Have a short, honest answer ready about your background. Keep it brief, focus on what you've done since, and steer back to the job.
- Arrive early. The doors are open five hours, but hiring managers are freshest in the morning.
The Permitting and Development Center sits on the old Highland Mall grounds off Airport Boulevard, next to the ACC Highland campus, a short hop east of I-35 from the US 290 interchange.
Know your rights, too. Austin's Fair Chance Hiring ordinance has been in effect since 2016 and limits when many private employers in the city can ask about criminal history and how they can use it. The city's Office of Civil Rights handles complaints at 512-972-3247.
Looking for a different fair? The Texas HireAbility Job Fair on October 2 is aimed at Texans with disabilities. Different event, different day, different focus.
🔎 Where to Aim Your Search
Fair chance employers cluster in construction, warehousing, food service, facilities and transportation, and the City of Austin itself is one of the biggest employers in town.
Start here:
- City of Austin jobs
- Fair chance jobs in Austin
- Warehouse jobs
- Construction laborer jobs
- Forklift operator jobs
- Line cook jobs
- Custodian and janitorial jobs
- CDL driver jobs
- Maintenance technician jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Austin Fair Chance Hiring Job Fair?
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, TX 78752.
Can I attend if I have a criminal record?
Yes. People with criminal histories are the fair's primary audience, and the city prioritized employers willing to hire them.
Can I get hired the same day?
Possibly. Hiring managers will interview on site, and qualified candidates for City of Austin roles may receive a same-day contingent offer, which still depends on the remaining hiring steps.
Do I need to register?
The city is taking sign-ups through its Eventbrite page. Registering ahead is the safest move. For questions, the city's job fair team is at 512-974-3210 or coajobfairs@austintexas.gov.
Your Next Step Starts Before September 30
Don't wait for the fair to start applying. Create your free LocalJobPage profile so your resume is ready to send, then browse every open Austin job and flag the employers you want to meet.
Employers: Hiring in Austin and open to fair chance candidates? Post your openings on LocalJobPage and reach local job seekers ready to work.
Related Reading
Next Wednesday, the old Highland Mall site off Airport Boulevard trades permit applications for job applications. Bring a resume and a firm handshake.
