Kim outlines plans before leaving Council in June

Although she lost her bid for re-election on Saturday, Council Member Jennifer Kim still has a few things on her agenda before her term ends on June 25.

 

First, Kim said she would like to help the Families and Children Task Force craft some recommendations for Council policy. She said she is also looking forward to holding a town hall meeting for Asian-Americans within the next six weeks.

 

The Families and Children Task Force, which Kim sponsored, presented findings to the City Council last week showing that Austin has an unmet need for more affordable childcare and recommending that the city consider a pilot program for a family-focused development project. She is hopeful that such a project could be located next to a transit-oriented development.

 

The panel also said the city should try to incorporate family needs into land use and transportation planning. The task force hopes to make final policy recommendations to the Council in June.

 

Kim, 35, told In Fact Daily Monday, she plans to return to her job as vice president at Vias International. As for her future in politics, she said, “Who knows? I really am not planning for anything in the public sector right now. I’m just thinking about taking a break from politics.”

 

The Place 3 Council Member said she is grateful for the opportunity to serve. “I’m really glad that I had a chance to meet such incredible people in the city, from the city staff to people who really care about the city.” She said she hopes to see other Asian-Americans running for office.