Mayor unveils major staff changes

For those who missed it, Mayor Steve Adler officially unveiled his proposed revamp of the Mayor’s Better Austin Foundation and increased staff for his office yesterday. All told, Adler proposes to have 22 positions — eight office staff members, eight cabinet members and six Austin Foundation members (board of trustees and staff). Both Adler’s wife, Diane Land, and City Council Member Ann Kitchen’s husband, Mark Yznaga, will be on the foundation staff. Despite the announcement, both changes will have to be approved by the full Council on Thursday. One item, which we have covered before, would allow Adler to expand his staff from five to eight by shifting his salary within his office. The other item, which is sponsored by Adler and co-sponsored by Council Members Sheri Gallo, Greg Casar and Leslie Pool, asks Council members to approve a measure that will allow donated staff to the foundation. The Monitor will keep you apprised of the changes, and Thursday’s discussion.