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City Council
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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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…
City Council • By Jo Clifton • Dec 23, 2024
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…
City Council • By Amy Smith • Dec 23, 2024
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…
City Council • By Chad Swiatecki • Dec 17, 2024
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 • By Jo Clifton • Dec 13, 2024
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…
City Council • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Dec 13, 2024
Reflections and celebrations with outgoing City Council members
The city honored outgoing City Council members Mackenzie Kelly, Leslie Pool and Alison Alter with a special event in advance of their final Council meeting this Thursday. City staff, former Council members, local elected officials, plus family and friends gathered…
