From deep dives to creative thinking, Alison Alter brought an innovative approach to her policy work

When Alison Alter came into office in 2017, her primary issues were parks, climate change and responsible growth. That was just a preview. Over the next eight years, the District 10 City Council member built an expansive policy portfolio that…

City Council • By Amy Smith • Jan 3, 2025

Marc Duchen readies to take his place on the dais for District 10

After besting his only opponent in the Nov. 5 election, Marc Duchen is getting ready to take the City Council District 10 seat. He will succeed Council Member Alison Alter, who is retiring after two terms. Duchen represents a change…

City Council • By Jo Clifton • Jan 3, 2025

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

Drawing on his last two years, Qadri hopes to expand his leadership on mobility

After a busy year, Zo Qadri has set his sights on taking on more mobility work in 2025. That seems an apt role for the City Council member who represents District 9, which covers Downtown, the University of Texas and…

City Council • By Amy Smith • Jan 2, 2025

A look back: Austin’s year in review

With 2024 drawing to close, it’s time to look back on the local headlines that dominated the news (or held a special place in our hyperlocal hearts) before looking forward to the year ahead. Happy News Year! WE HAVE A…

Austin • By Austin Monitor • Dec 30, 2024

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…

City Council • By Chad Swiatecki • Dec 30, 2024

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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

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…

City Council • By Chad Swiatecki • Dec 27, 2024

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…

City Council • By Kali Bramble • Dec 27, 2024

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…

City Council • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Dec 26, 2024

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…

City Council • By Hunter Simmons • Dec 26, 2024

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…

City Council • By Jo Clifton • Dec 26, 2024

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