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City Council

Pool reflects on housing and environmental progress as she closes 10 years on Council

Leslie Pool faced something of a quandary nearly two years ago, when she considered running for the office of tax assessor-collector for Travis County. Knowing that her time as a City Council member would expire in 2024, she saw the…

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,…

As she exits Council, Kelly sees police contract passage among highlights of 2024

While cleaning out the District 6 satellite office that was opened to give residents in Williamson County and far Northwest Austin easier access to their City Council member, outgoing D6 seat holder Mackenzie Kelly took time to reflect on her…

From Round Rock's school board to City Hall, District 6 newcomer Krista Laine gives conservatives a run for their money

If, in the days leading up to 2020, you had asked Krista Laine where she saw herself halfway through the decade, she likely would have told you she’d be back in the world of commercial real estate, where she’d made…

Council Member José Velásquez seeks to reframe local representation

As Council Member José Velásquez tackled a wide array of issues in 2024, he has remained focused on the three tenets that guide his work and decision-making: “affordability, accessibility and action.” Pursuing these principles has pushed him to redefine the…

Vela reflects on his first term and looks to the future

Chito Vela is about to complete his first term as District 4’s City Council member. Vela was re-elected in November for a second term, running on the issues of housing, transit and public safety. While reflecting on his first term, the…

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Ryan Alter looks back on accomplishments of 2024

District 5 Council Member Ryan Alter is proud of City Council’s many accomplishments in 2024, starting with what is obviously one of his favorite topics: housing. “I think first and foremost, we as a Council made some really important strides…

Natasha Harper-Madison looks forward to planning progress for her district

With two years left on her term of office, Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison is looking forward to helping move the Northeast Planning District toward the bright future she envisions for it. That’s “really at the top of my list” of…

After a busy 2024, Fuentes looks to take on more leadership roles

With her first term and a smooth reelection behind her, Vanessa Fuentes returns to the dais in January with a fresh to-do list and aspirations of becoming the next mayor pro tem – a symbolic yet highly sought-after position. Taking…

Council approves new hotel fee agreement, freeing funds for homelessness services

Next year, the city will begin receiving revenue from a new fee on hotel room stays that will provide an estimated $7 million per year to cover housing or other services needed by those experiencing homelessness. Last week, City Council…

Council approves requiring safety bollards at new medical facilities

City Council agreed unanimously on Thursday to require installation of safety barriers, called bollards, at the pedestrian entrances of medical facilities when a new facility is being constructed. The new rules are intended to prevent the kinds of tragedies that…

City Council approves nearly $7 million to keep Marshalling Yard shelter open

The city of Austin has identified the financing it will use to keep the Marshalling Yard emergency shelter open indefinitely. In September, City Council agreed to keep the shelter in Southeast Austin open until a more permanent location could be…

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