Healthcare is one of Austin's largest and fastest-growing industries, with 172,500 local jobs and an annual payroll of more than $5.2 billion. Austin is home to the headquarters of nine publicly-traded healthcare companies that generate approximately 6,000 jobs (850 locally). The impact of healthcare will continue to grow and the Austin Healthcare Council (AHC) wants to make sure Austin is at the forefront in innovation and leadership. AHC is working through education, mentoring, networking and international programmes to foster a supportive environment for healthcare and bring together a wide spectrum of organizations.