Stories by Mina Shekarchi

Paige Ellis is feeling energized for Council collaboration on parks, climate and mobility in 2025

If Paige Ellis had to sum up City Council’s work this year in one word, she said she would choose “momentum.” Ellis, who represents Southwest Austin’s District 8, has served on Council through a series of challenges that were truly…

City Council • By Mina Shekarchi • Jan 2, 2025

Mike Siegel plans to balance ‘big goals and broad ambitions’ with pragmatism during his first year on Council

After winning a close runoff election on Dec. 15, incoming District 7 City Council Member Mike Siegel told the Austin Monitor he is feeling “tired, busy and excited.” Siegel, a former assistant city attorney and organizer with Ground Game Texas,…

City Council • By Mina Shekarchi • Dec 30, 2024

After a close race, Bledsoe and Siegel share perspectives on runoff results

After what looks to be a narrow victory in Saturday’s runoff election, Mike Siegel will serve as the next representative for North Austin’s District 7. Cinching the win over opponent Gary Bledsoe by around 200 votes, Siegel will be the…

Elections • By Mina Shekarchi • Dec 15, 2024

Reflections and celebrations with outgoing City Council members

The city honored outgoing City Council members Mackenzie Kelly, Leslie Pool and Alison Alter with a special event in advance of their final Council meeting this Thursday. City staff, former Council members, local elected officials, plus family and friends gathered…

City Council • By Mina Shekarchi • Dec 12, 2024

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Housing and Planning Committee discusses sustainable building design, Land Development Code amendments, and Northeast Planning District

City Council’s Housing and Planning Committee held its final meeting of the year on Tuesday, when members heard updates from city staff on proposed amendments to the Land Development Code, the Northeast Planning District, the city’s Comprehensive Density Bonus analysis…

Development • By Mina Shekarchi • Dec 5, 2024

Siegel and Bledsoe face off for District 7 seat

Early voting is underway to determine the next City Council member who will serve North Central Austin’s District 7. In November, none of the six candidates earned more than half of the vote, so the top two candidates are now…

Elections • By Mina Shekarchi • Dec 3, 2024

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Council adopts Equity-Based Preservation Plan

After a public hearing on Thursday, City Council approved the Equity-Based Preservation Plan – a new strategy for preserving historic buildings that prioritizes diversity and cultural heritage. The plan was adopted as an ordinance amending the larger Imagine Austin Comprehensive…

Preservation • By Mina Shekarchi • Nov 26, 2024

Council approves updated Water Forward, Conservation and Drought Contingency plans

On Thursday, City Council approved updates to Austin’s Water Forward Plan and to the related Conservation and Drought Contingency plans. Water Forward, Austin’s 100-year integrated water resource plan, was first adopted by the city in 2018, after the record-breaking, nearly…

Water • By Mina Shekarchi • Nov 22, 2024

Council will consider new parks funding and management strategies

On Thursday, City Council is slated to approve a resolution from Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool that directs the city manager to explore new parks funding strategies; to consider a regional approach to parks funding, acquisition and maintenance; and to…

Parks • By Mina Shekarchi • Nov 21, 2024

Travis County voters supported a tax rate increase to expand access to affordable child care. What happens now?

Last week, approximately 60 percent of Travis County voters approved Proposition A – a property tax increase that will expand access to affordable child care and after-school/summer programs for lower-income families. The tax increase ($0.025 per $100 valuation for a…

Bonds & Propositions • By Mina Shekarchi • Nov 15, 2024

Siegel, Bledsoe headed for a runoff in District 7

In a crowded race to represent North Central District 7, none of the six contenders managed to snag 50 percent of the vote. As a result, Mike Siegel and Gary Bledsoe will face off in a runoff next month. Siegel,…

Elections • By Mina Shekarchi • Nov 6, 2024

Council slated to approve updates to Water Forward Plan and to Austin Water’s Conservation and Drought Contingency plans

This month, City Council will vote on proposed updates to Austin’s Water Forward Plan and to the related Water Conservation and Drought Contingency plans. During a briefing on Oct. 22, Austin Water Director Shay Ralls Roalson presented an overview of…

Water • By Mina Shekarchi • Nov 5, 2024