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 boundaries of local representation. “We really wanted to change the narrative around what representative government […]
Austin City Council
The Austin City Council is the body with legislative purview over the City of Austin. It offers policy direction, while the office of the City Manager implements administrative actions based on those policies. Until 2015, the body contained seven members, including the city’s Mayor, all elected at-large. In 2012, City of Austin residents voted to change that system and as of 2015, 10 members of the Council are elected based on geographic districts. The Mayor continues to be elected at-large.
Posted inCity Council
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 first item on Vela’s mind was HOME Phase I and II. The “Home Options for […]
Posted inCity Council
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 when it comes to affordability, especially around housing. A key priority of mine has always […]
Posted inCity Council
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 what she wants to work on in 2025, she told the Austin Monitor. Work on […]
Posted inCity Council
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 stock of her work in 2024, the District 2 City Council member reflected on a […]
Posted inPlanning
City looks to expand parking and trails at Pennybacker Bridge
During its last meeting of the year, City Council made a move that its members hope will improve access to the Pennybacker Bridge Overlook for years to come. Council members voted unanimously to move forward with eminent domain proceedings to acquire about 1.5 acres near the Loop 360 overlook for an estimated $167,186. The land […]
Posted inPreservation
For local preservationists, Council facilitates a miracle on East 12th Street
City Hall was abuzz with more than just the holiday spirit last Thursday, with City Council adjourning its final meeting to the sound of cheers at a rare victory for preservationists at 1500 E. 12th St. The fate of the Eisenbeiser building, a historic grocery and saloon turned barbershop and music venue, seemed grim just […]
Posted inZoning
Southeast rezoning will allow huge increase in multifamily units
Last week, City Council gave final approval to developers who want to demolish 210 aging multifamily residences and replace them with 1,100 new units plus commercial development on Willow Creek Drive near Pleasant Valley Road in Southeast Austin. The 7-acre property at 2201 Willow Creek Drive will go from Multifamily Residence-Medium Density (MF-3) zoning to […]
Posted inEnergy
City Council passes new energy plan through 2035. Here’s what it does.
After nearly two years of study, revision, public outreach and intense debate, the city of Austin finally has a new plan for how it will meet its energy needs over the next 10 years. Austin Energy’s Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035 serves as a road map, not just for how the city’s […]
Posted inRoads
Council calls for revisions for proposed MoPac South expansion
City Council is pushing for changes to the proposed MoPac South expansion to make the project fit with the city’s mobility, environmental and sustainability goals. Last week, Council passed a resolution that emphasizes refining the project, overseen by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, to integrate transit-oriented features such as express bus services, park-and-ride facilities, […]
Posted inElections
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 second Council member to represent the area since the creation of the current district representation […]
Posted inCity 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 have occurred in Austin as well as other medical facilities around the nation when a […]