North Central Austin Edition | September 2024

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North Central Austin Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 OCT. 2OCT. 29, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

2024 Education Edition

The math problem

Austin ISD teacher Maria Mota works with her fth grade students on a math lesson Sept. 13. District ocials said they are implementing ways to focus on the subject as statewide test scores decline.

MATTHEW BROOKSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Educators concerned as math test scores continue to decline in Austin ISD, statewide

fall amid learning loss and workforce turnover. “I really do think the pandemic brought every- body’s attention to, ‘Houston, we might have a math problem,’” said Susan Diaz, AISD’s assistant superintendent of secondary academics.

teachers and a lack of intervention for struggling students. Low math achievement rates were widely reported even before COVID-19, said Gabe Grantham, an education policy adviser for nonpar- tisan think tank Texas 2036. At Austin ISD, ocials said they saw achievement

BY HANNAH NORTON & BEN THOMPSON

In 2023, less than half of Texas students met grade level standards on the standardized math assessment. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted previously existing issues with math education, experts say, including insucient training for

CONTINUED ON 32

Also in this issue

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INSIDE

Impacts: Try handmade pastas at a new Italian restaurant (Page 8)

Elections: Meet the candidates for the Austin ISD board of trustees (Page 24)

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Community Connections Resource Fair Join us for a fun-filled day for the whole family! • Enjoy free food, prizes and activities for the kids Saturday, October 26 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Akins High School 10701 S 1st St Austin, TX 78748 • Access health services and vaccinations • Connect with community agencies and local vendors • Discover resources to help lower your utility bill

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About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

Deeda Lovett General Manager

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Publisher Travis Baker Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara

Elle Bent Editor

Travis Baker Publisher

Volume 17, Issue 5: The private school guide on page 21 contains incorrect details. AHB Community School’s address is 4001 Speedway, Austin and its website is www.ahbcs.org.

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Impacts

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

NORTH AUSTIN

Coming soon

Now open

5 Tzintzuntzan As Mexican restaurant Fonda San Miguel owner Tom Gilliland nears the celebration of 50 years operating in North Austin, Gilliland announced the birth of a new concept to be called Tzintzuntzan—pronounced “zin-zoon-zhan.” The new venue, to be located just next door, will serve up all the same authentic Mexican cuisine, but for breakfast and lunch. • Opening March 2025 • 2330 W. North Loop Blvd., Austin 6 Texas Thrift The thrift store is relocating from its East Austin location at 5319 N. IH-35, Austin, to North Austin. Texas thrift oers secondhand clothing and household items. The store will celebrate its grand reopening Sept. 21 with music, giveaways and free food. • Relocating in September • 8740 Research Blvd., Austin • www.buythrift.com 7 Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Food The 17th Austin-area Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods store will replace what was a Randalls grocery store. The family-owned business opened in Houston in 1962 and now has more than 100 stores throughout the state. Spec’s rst came to Austin in 2007 oering alcohol, cigars, gifts and more. • Opening in fall 2025

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MOPAC

2 PERSEVERANCE DR.

HIGHLAND CAMPUS DR.

2 Ling Wu Asian Restaurant at The Grove

CLAYTON LN.

3 Antiques of Oakmont The new antique shop opened this summer, and is a curated collection of vintage goods oering furniture, art and trinkets. Vendors make up the store including Mad Man Vintage and South Congress Books. • Opened Aug. 1 4 UFCU The credit union opened a new, full-service branch location in August, located within the 1000 building at the Austin Community College Highlands campus. • Opened Aug. 26 • 6101 Highland Campus Drive, Bldg. 1000, Austin • www.ufcu.org/locations/acc-highland • 1803 W. 35th St., Ste. A, Austin • Instagram: antiquesofoakmont Austin’s newest dim sum and Chinese restaurant, Ling Wu Asian Restaurant at The Grove opened in the Rosedale neighborhood o Burnet Road this summer. Dishes include soup dumplings, egg rolls and Kung Pao shrimp, as well as chef specials like Peking duck, roasted duck pancakes and curry ox tail. Ling Wu is also found in Lantana Place. • Opened July 26 • 2625 Perseverance Drive, Austin • www.lingwugrove.com

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North Central

• 1500 W. 35th St., Austin • www.specsonline.com

Now open

In the news

1 Nike Training Studio the Triangle Nike opened its rst of three planned Austin tness studios at The Triangle this summer. The Nike Training Studio, a partnership with FitLab, oers clients strength and high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, workouts across multiple class formats. • Opened Aug. 19 • 4615 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 305, Austin • www.nikestudios.com

8 Mixtape Marketing Local marketing agency Mixtape Marketing turns 15 years old in October. The agency was co-founded by Charlie Brown and Ben Steckbeck, supporting clients

from a variety of industries. • 1509 W. Koenig Lane, Austin • www.mixtapeagency.com

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Impacts

BY ELLE BENT, HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON

5 Linx From the owners of barbecue truck Distant Relatives, Linx offers sausages, sides and sandwiches next to dive bar Mean Eyed Cat, who is celebrating their 20th anniversary.

Now open

• Opening in September • 1621 W. Fifth St., Austin • Instagram: linxatx

6 Brass Poppy A cocktail bar is now open in the lobby of Hotel Van Zandt, serving drinks overseen by Lead Bartender Curtis Janto—formerly of Roosevelt Room and Equipment Room—and bites from Executive Chef Sergio Ledesma. • Opened Sept. 13 • 605 Davis St., Austin • www.hotelvanzandt.com/dine/brass-poppy

2 Desnudo Coffee Local roaster Desnudo Coffee opened a second location outside Fareground Austin. Desnudo serves a variety of coffee products sourced from farmers in Colombia, and its original location off Webberville Road also hosts community events such as weekly yoga lessons and a running club. • Opened Aug. 21

2 3

In the news

7 Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin The Tradition, An American Kitchen and bar Heydey Social Club will open in the hotel, replacing Las Bis and Luminaire. Both concepts’ food and drinks are overseen by Executive Chef Iain Reddick, who joined the hotel after stints at The Driskill and other Hyatt locations. • Opening Sept. 27 • 721 Congress Ave., Austin • Instagram: thetraditionatx and heydeysocialclub

DAVIS ST.

• 111 Congress Ave., Austin • www.desnudocoffee.com

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Downtown/West Campus

3 Y Comida Through the end of 2024, Y Comida will serve up part-Mexican, part-Cajun small plates at the Ellis by Fareground. • Open Aug. 23-Dec. 31

Closings

8 Club Eternal After two years in business, the dance music venue announced an “indefinite hiatus” after their final event. • Closed. Aug. 2 • 207 W. Fourth St., Austin 9 Estelle’s NoCo Hospitality’s cocktail bar permanently closed. The two-story botanical-themed lounge opened last spring, serving house cocktails and food. • Closed in September • 400 Colorado St., Austin • www.estellesatx.com

Now open

1 Neighbourhood Café Belfast-based Neighbourhood Café—co-owned by Oisin McEvoy and Ryan Crown—launched in Austin next to its partner bar The Dead Rabbit. The cafe serves coffee and tea drinks, with specialties like the iced tiramisu and freddo cappuccino. The menu also includes pastries, all-day breakfast and several lunch items. Cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks developed in partnership with The Dead Rabbit team will also be served. • Opened Aug. 22 • 204 E. Sixth St., Austin • www.neighbourhood.cafe/austin

• 111 Congress Ave., Austin • www.ycomida.com/ellis

4 Addie Rose The local women’s boutique and gift shop from owner Patty Hatton opened a second location downtown. Addie Rose first opened in 2021 at 3740 Far West Blvd., Austin. • Opened Aug. 24 • 908 W. 12th St., Austin • www.addieroseaustin.com

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Coming soon

Now open

5 OroBianco Italian Creamery The food truck located in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood will sell gelato, made with water buffalo milk. • Opening in September • 1800 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.orobiancomilk.com 6 Austin Regional Clinic The health provider broke ground Sept. 19 on a new 65,000-square-foot, two-story surgery and specialty clinic including over 100 exam rooms, seven treatment rooms, a lab and radiology equipment. • Opening 2025

MOPAC

3 Fig Italian Kitchen & Bar From Michelin Plate-awarded Chef Cole Fitzgerald and owner James Sun, the new restaurant offers Italian cuisine such as handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza and seafood. Fig Italian replaced now closed restaurant The Garden at the 704. • Opened Aug. 16 • 3403 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.figaustin.com

• 708 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin • www.austinregionalclinic.com

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In the news

PICKLE RD.

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7 Cosmic Pickle Bar Cosmic Pickle now has three new food truck options: Wow Poke, Biggie’s Yardbird and East Side King. Wow Poke offers poke, dumplings, wings and wraps, and has two other Austin locations. From the same team behind Armadillo Den and Dainty Dillo, Biggie’s Yardbird will offer chicken, smash burgers and fries. East Side King offers Japanese-inspired dishes and was founded by Motoyasu Utsunomiya and Paul Qui, with a brick and

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South Central

first opened at Hamilton Food Truck Park in North Austin last year then relocated to 1311 South 1st Park. • Opened Aug. 24 • 4201 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 101, Austin • www.thebougiefoodie.co 4 IV Nutrition The spa opened in Lakehills Plaza, offering IV drip therapy, vitamin injections, supplements and blood testing. Owned by Sabira Karovalia and Mary Ann Baltierra-Rocha, IV Nutrition’s therapy drips and injections can address muscle strength, inflammation, gut health, trouble sleeping, stress and more, Karovalia said. • Opened Aug. 19 • 4211 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. A7, Austin • www.ivnutrition.com

mortar on South Lamar. • 121 Pickle Rd., Austin • www.cosmichospitalitygroup.com

Now open

Closings

1 Rivian The electric vehicle manufacturer opened a showroom featuring lounge areas and a rooftop patio. Demo drives are available by appointment. • Opened in June • 208 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.rivian.com 2 The Bougie Foodie The dessert food truck opened its first brick-and-mortar shop on South Congress Avenue. Owner Brianna Cryar

8 Aviary Wine & Kitchen Aviary Wine & Kitchen closed after 18 years of business. The eatery offered a wine list and club. Owner Mike Smith cited financial pressures as a factor. • Closed in August

• 2110 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.aviarywinekitchen.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Impacts

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

EAST AUSTIN

The club is opening at the former Easy Tiger space on East Seventh Street, with a bar and outdoor area with a stage, cabanas and entertainment deck. • Opened Sept. 6 • 1501 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.wtficehouse.com

Coming soon

6 Rockman Coffee & Bakeshop Austin pastry chef Amanda Rockman will open her first solo bakery and coffee shop in East Austin. The shop will have dining and lounge areas with a pickup window for online orders. Rockman will offer bagels, pastries, sandwiches and desserts. There will be a full coffee bar and a cocktail menu. • Opening this fall • 2400 E. Cesar Chavez St., Ste. 200, Austin • Instagram: rockmanatx

183 3 Nike Strength Studio A new Nike Strength Studio is expected to open on East Sixth Street in the fall. The facility will offer rack- and barbell-based weight training in small classes centered around hypertrophy, foundational strength, muscular endurance and weight-lifting techniques. Sessions will progress in line with clients’ long-term goals. Presale membership for the new east side studio will begin this summer. • Opens this fall • 1401 E. Sixth St., Ste. 200, Austin • www.nikestudios.com

In the news

1 3

7 DAWA Local nonprofit DAWA, which stands for Diversity Awareness and Wellness in Action, will celebrate its five-year anniversary in September. Founded in 2019, the nonprofit provides financial support and health programming to community members who are Black, Indigenous and people of color. • 916 Springdale Road, Bldg. 4, Ste. 109, Austin • www.dawaheals.org 973

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C O

East Austin

• Opened July 24 • 1123 E. 11th St., Austin • www.poetarestaurant.com

Now open

Closings

“We Rock” Nature’s Treasures Shop Online! NTRocks.com Treasures from Around the Globe 4 Floyd’s 99 Barbershop The barber shop provides hair coloring services, beard trims, waxing, fade haircuts and straight-razor shaves, as well as a signature massage shampoo and shoulder massage at the end of every appointment. • Opened Aug. 6 • 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Ste. 1400, Austin • www.floydsbarbershop.com 5 WTF Sporting Club Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Icehouse is expanding with the launch of a new flagship location, WTF Sporting Club.

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1 Insomnia Cookies The dessert shop sells cookies, brownies and ice cream that can be delivered after midnight. • Opened in July • 1401 E. Sixth St., Austin • www.insomniacookies.com 2 Piccola Gelateria Italian restaurant Poeta opened a gelato truck this summer, serving scoops year-round in front of the Frances Modern Inn. 71

8 Halcyon Coffee shop and bar Halcyon closed its Mueller location after seven years. The Mueller location was an expansion for the business in 2017, from its initial spot at 218 W. Fourth St., Austin, that opened in 2002 and will remain open. Halcyon commemorated the closing with a goodbye party Aug. 14. • Closed in August • 1905 Aldrich St., Austin • www.halcyoncoffeebar.com

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Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON

Austin charter election called off

Austin, Travis County leaders back pretrial legal support A program providing legal representation fol- lowing arrest in Travis County is poised to expand. The big picture Local leaders and advocates aim to offer counsel at first appearance, or CAFA, post-arrest, regard- less of ability to pay for a lawyer. Travis County commissioners are considering a fiscal year 2024-25 budget that could reserve millions of dollars for expanded CAFA services. At City Hall, council approved a FY 2024-25 spending plan with money reserved for an ongoing county partnership. While CAFA has yet to be fully implemented, the lack of full-time legal services led one arrestee to sue the county this spring over its “two-tiered” magistration system that he, and others, have said

CAFA ramps up* Local officials hope to expand CAFA services. After trial runs, daily shifts will begin in October followed by full implementation next year. 30 magistration shifts with CAFA completed so far 14 county judge shifts 16 city magistrate shifts 834 people magistrated; prosecution declined charges in 6% of cases

Thirteen proposed amendments to Aus- tin’s city charter were put on hold following

a legal challenge. What happened

District Court Judge Maya Guerra Gamble issued a temporary injunction against Aus- tin’s charter amendment election Aug. 29. Gamble sided with plaintiffs who claimed City Council didn’t give proper public notice and violated the Texas Open Meetings Act when calling the proposition election during their August budget adoption. The 13 items’ removal from the November election was confirmed just ahead of local deadlines to finalize ballots. A city spokes- person said staff took responsibility for the meeting posting process that prompted the lawsuit.

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT *AS OF AUG. 27

results in disparate legal outcomes for those who can and can’t afford a lawyer. What’s next Local CAFA offerings remained in a trial state as of this summer. New funding could support dozens of staff positions and more CAFA shifts. Travis County Budget Director Travis Gatlin called the current proposal “the single biggest and fastest undertaking” on the issue in more than two decades.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY BEN THOMPSON

New building program in use

Some context

Dozens of zoning cases for mixed-use development around Austin are advancing this year under the new DB90 program. DB90 expands Approved Pending approval

DB90 requires more aordable housing than the overturned mixed-use program. Between 10% and 12% of the housing built under DB90 must be set aside for residents making less than two-thirds of the Austin area’s median family income, or MFI. The former program’s standards were based on higher MFI limits.

Plans for dozens of mixed-use developments with aordable housing are advancing around Austin under a new city building program. The program, DB90—a density bonus program allowing up to 90 feet of building height—stems from City Council eorts to bring denser, mixed- use development to Austin’s busiest corridors. Initially, ocials expanded the existing vertical- mixed use aordable building program. However, a local judge voided that update in late 2023 following a resident lawsuit. In response, DB90 was created with similar provisions. Many zoning cases under the new designation have now moved through city reviews after the rst few were approved this spring. More than 20 DB90 cases have been approved since a program revision was nalized in August, and more will be considered in the future. In total, DB90 cases approved through mid- September would add more than 8,300 new homes and apartments with thousands of square feet of new commercial space around Austin. That development would also include more than 800 income-restricted housing units. “We’ve heard calls for more aordable housing for all kinds of people in all parts of town for years, and the council has acknowledged and joined those calls,” Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool said Aug. 29. “The city is responding with policy revisions, and this dais continues to act. DB90 and its original iteration ... is just one example of specic, targeted action.”

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DB90 requires developers to set aside at least one-tenth of new housing units for lower-income residents earning 50%-60% of the local MFI.

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That’s currently $44,100-$52,920 for an individual

$63,000-$75,600 for a four-person household

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Austin

OAK BLVD.

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT

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One more thing

As council continues to sign o on DB90 projects, the program has drawn criticism from many around Austin. Some neighborhood groups have called for a moratorium on all projects under the program. Residents have said the program’s rollout was rushed after the 2023 court decision, that the taller projects are too widespread and out of line with many neighborhood plans, and that community benets like aordability won’t eectively serve the surrounding areas.

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SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Election Voter Guide

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 21: First day of early voting Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 1: Last day of early voting Nov. 5: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)

Travis County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.elections.traviscountytx.gov for polling locations, which may be different for early voting and on Election Day. This is not an official sample ballot, which is scheduled for release after press time. Candidates are shown in alphabetical order unless ballot order has already been set.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat G Green L Libertarian R Republican *Incumbent

Texas Supreme Court Justice — Place 2 R Jimmy Blacklock* D DaSean Jones Texas Supreme Court Justice — Place 4 R John Devine* D Christine Vinh Weems Texas Supreme Court Justice — Place 6 R Jane Bland* D Bonnie Lee Goldstein L David Roberson Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — presiding judge R David J. Schenck D Holly Taylor Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — Place 7 D Nancy Mulder R Gina Parker Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — Place 8 D Chika Anyiam R Lee Finley

Texas House District 46 D Sheryl Cole* R Nikki Kosich Texas House District 48 D Donna Howard* L Daniel Jerome McCarthy U.S. House of Representatives, District 35 D Greg Casar*

Sample ballot

Federal elections President D Kamala Harris L Chase Oliver G Jill Stein R Donald Trump U.S. Senate D Colin Allred

L Clark Patterson R Steven Wright U.S. Representative, District 37 L Girish Altekar D Lloyd Doggett* R Jenny Garcia Sharon

L Ted Brown R Ted Cruz*

State elections Texas Railroad Commissioner

R Christi Craddick* D Katherine Culbert L Hawk Dunlap G Eddie Espinoza

Local elections Mayor Carmen D. Llanes Pulido Jeffery L. Bowen Doug Greco

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Ben Hur Shrine Center Ballroom 7811 Rockwood Lane, Austin

Kirk Watson* Kathie Tovo Austin City Council District 4 Louis Herrin Monica Guzmán Eduardo ‘’Lalito’’ Romero José ‘’Chito’’ Vela* Jim Rabuck Austin City Council District 6 Krista Laine Mackenzie Kelly* Austin City Council District 7 Gary L. Bledsoe Pierre Huy Nguyen Todd Shaw Edwin Bautista Mike Siegel Adam Powell Austin City Council District 10 Marc Duchen Ashika Ganguly Austin ISD Board of Trustees, District 2 LaRessa Quintana Sarah Ivory Austin ISD Board of Trustees, At-Large Position 8 Amy Moore Dylan “Sky” MacAdams Fernando Lucas de Urioste Lindsey Stringer Nathaniel Hellman Nick Franke Austin ISD Proposition A “Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $0.9505 per $100 valuation in the Austin Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 8.3 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue

for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $184,628,049.”

Carver Branch Library 1161 Angelina St., Austin Cepeda Branch Library 651 N. Pleasant Valley Road, Austin Conley Guerrero Senior Activity Center 808 Nile St., Austin Northwest Recreation Center 2913 Northland Dr., Austin Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility 1700 Guadalupe St., Austin Westminster Presbyterian Church 3208 Exposition Blvd., Austin Wheatsville Food Co-op South Lamar Community Kitchen 4001 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin Election day Baker Center Alamo Drafthouse 3908 Avenue B, Austin Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center 2100 E. 3rd St., Austin Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center 808 Nile St., Austin East Communities YMCA

Travis County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5 Tanisa Jeffers* Sherri Lynn Taylor Travis County Proposition A

“Approving the ad valorem tax rate of $ 0.344445 per $100 valuation in County of Travis for the current year, a rate that is $0.025 higher per $100 valuation than the voter-approval tax rate of County of Travis, for the purpose of increasing access to affordable and high- quality child care and afterschool/summer programming and related services for low-income families and developing and administering related workforce and economic development programs. Last year, the ad valorem tax rate in County of Travis was $0.304655 per $100 valuation.”

Polling locations

Polling locations vary for early voting and election day voting. Early voting times vary, but election day voting hours are from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. statewide. This list is noncomprehensive.

Early voting Anita Ferrales Coy Facility 745 Mansell Ave., Austin Austin City Hall 301 W. 2nd St., Austin

Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin Austin Permitting and Development Center #1407

5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin Huston-Tillotson University 900 Chicon St., Austin Lamar Senior Activity Center 2874 Shoal Crest Ave., Austin Mary Lee Foundation Center 1339 Lamar Square Drive, Austin

6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin Austin Recreation Center Dance Studio 1301 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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Election

BY BEN THOMPSON

*INCUMBENT

Austin mayor

Why are you running for this oce and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?

Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin aordable for residents? I’d aim to budget more responsibly and transparently, looking for eciencies in outsourced contracting. I’d aim to stabilize home prices by preserving and producing deeply aordable housing, scaling community land trusts while incentivizing privately-owned, subsidized aordable housing. And I’d protect tenants and homeowners’ ability to negotiate redevelopment for maximum benet.

I am running to improve Austin’s quality of life with new, accountable and community-driven leadership, placing public interests over special interests. Austin is at a crossroads facing stark income inequality, strained infrastructure and frequent extreme weather. With transparency, inclusivity and creativity, we can create a thriving future for all Austinites.

Carmen Llanes Pulido Experience: Lifelong Austinite, 20-year community organizer, City commissioner (Planning, Quality of Life, Redistricting), Land use scholar www.carmen4mayor.com

Getting back to the basics of running a city. Provide clarity to the citizens regarding the out of control spending and the city budget.

Since taxes never go down, the city needs to operate with a budget that does not further burden the taxpayers.

Jeery L. Bowen Experience: 68 years of life experience are my best qualications and working with various personalities www.jeowenforaustinmayor.com

As a former Austin ISD teacher and community organizer, I am running to ght for working families, build a strong middle class in Austin, and to stand up to Greg Abbott and state leaders against their attacks on local decisions, school funding and our civil rights.

Investing in education, workforce, and living wage jobs and implementing the unspent $1.8 billion in voter-approved bond measures will give us our best return-on-investment and an economic stimulus to bring in increased tax revenues. Ending “sweetheart rates” for large industrial utility users will lighten the burden on residential ratepayers.

Doug Greco Experience: Over 25 years

experience as an organizer, non- prot leader, LGBTQ advocate and public school teacher www.grecoforaustin.com

I’m running for reelection because there’s more to do to make Austin aordable and address needs such as homelessness, public safety and trac. In just two years, we’ve passed the most ambitious land-use reforms in decades, made the Austin Infrastructure Academy to create more jobs and improved City Hall performance.

We need to build more housing, dierent types of housing, and housing around transit lines. We were hamstrung by segregation-era zoning restrictions and an outdated land development code, which is why we made reforms to make it easier to match the demand in housing from new and longtime residents alike.

Kirk Watson* Experience: Mayor, 1997-2001, 2023-present; State Senator (2007- 2020) www.kirkwatson.com

Austin needs an experienced leader committed to transparent government, with a track record of putting people rst; one who is a climate champion; and one committed to work with the community on Austin’s biggest challenges, from addressing issues of aordability to becoming more resilient in the face of climate change.

As your Mayor, I will approach this issue as I did on Council: requiring developers to pay the full costs of infrastructure and development; collaborating with partners to leverage city resources; trimming unnecessary expenses from the budget; analyzing utility rates and other fees to avoid increases that impact family budgets.

Kathie Tovo Experience: Mayor Pro Tem, 2015–2019; City Council Member 2011–2023; UT adjunct professor, 2023–24 www.kathieforaustin.com

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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Election

BY BEN THOMPSON

*INCUMBENT

Austin City Council District 7

Why are you running for this office and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?

How would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?

I am running for City Council to ensure transparency, promote public engagement, and enact balanced policies that serve the common good. My experience in navigating differing interests will help unite the community, promote affordable housing, protect Austin’s environment, and avoid divisions while pushing for necessary, responsible change in our city.

We need to scrutinize the city’s budget and cut unnecessary costs, like unfilled jobs that take up millions of dollars that could be allocated elsewhere. We also need to create a plan that would build homes that are affordable for people making less than 80% of MFI.

Gary Bledsoe Experience: I am a civil rights lawyer who has dedicated his life to fighting for fairness www.bledsoeforaustin.com

I am running for office to ensure that Austin remains a city where everyone can thrive, not just survive. The central issue I’m hoping to address is the balance between responsible growth and environmental sustainability, along with responsible spending. My background in public safety and emergency management has shown me...

Affordability isn’t just about housing—it’s about the overall cost of living, which includes utilities, transportation, and even the cost of flood insurance due to poor infrastructure planning. Placing the burden of rising costs on already marginalized communities is unacceptable, especially when it comes to issues like flood risk. By neglecting...

Pierre Nguyen Experience: Extensive background in public safety, disaster response/ recovery, community/public health, workforce development, national service... www.nguyenforcitycouncil.com

I am running to unite Austinites in taking on the challenges that have divided us based on my ability to build consensus in my 30-year public service career and chair of the Planning Commission. I want to prioritize housing affordability, transportation and mobility improvements, and climate change preparedness.

I want to reduce housing costs by increasing housing and the variety of housing types so that we have a range to meet all income levels. I would lower utility bills by increasing energy and water conservation subsidies and pursue Federal funding, especially for those with lower income levels.

Todd Shaw Experience: Environmental Engineer in the Energy Industry for 30 years, Chaired the Planning Commission, Consensus Builder www.toddshawforaustin.org

I’m running to bring bold leadership to City Council and modernize our local government. The central issue is governance reform—transitioning to a Strong-Mayor system, restructuring City Council districts for better representation and increasing transparency and accountability to ensure City Hall serves all Austinites, not just a privileged few.

My priority is to maintain essential city services despite the Texas Legislature sabotaging our budget through spending caps and regressive policies. To promote affordability, we can reduce transportation costs through public transit investments, reduce utility bills by investing in conservation, and reduce housing costs by increasing supply and subsidized housing. I support increasing housing supply through innovative zoning reforms, crafting effective affordable housing incentives and continuing to streamline development processes. I’d also advocate for stronger anti-displacement measures to protect vulnerable communities, push for property tax relief and ensure efficient management of city services to prevent unnecessary cost increases for Austinites.

Edwin Bautista Experience: Certified urban planner with extensive experience in affordable housing, public policy advocacy and community development www.edwinfordistrict7.com

I’m running for City Council because the City plays an essential role in caring for the people of this community. Climate action is a top priority for me — to reduce emissions, promote renewable energy, develop good climate jobs, and do our part to protect people and the planet.

Mike Siegel Experience: 25 years in public education and law, including four years as an Austin City Attorney www.siegelforaustin.org

I was born in Austin, and I’m running to work towards my hometown’s brightest future. I’m focused on fixing Austin Energy, given the power outages and long disruptions to our daily lives in recent years. I’ve shared multiple short and long term policy proposals to do this on my website.

We need to address our housing crisis to make Austin more affordable. This is personal: I was raised in Leander because my educator parents couldn’t afford to live within Austin. I support more subsidized affordable housing, increasing assistance to homeowners, and building housing at a rate that matches our growth.

Adam Powell Experience: Union organizing, teacher recruiting, state government operations, Black studies co- founder, neighborhood leadership,

and nonprofit leadership www.adamforaustin.com

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Election

BY BEN THOMPSON

*Incumbent

Austin City Council District 6

Why are you running for this office and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address? D6 needs results not rhetoric on 911 response times; power, water & wastewater reliability; traffic solutions & safer streets; housing affordability & neighborhood stability; homelessness; extreme weather & wildfire preparedness. I have 10 years professional experience analyzing Austin housing, transportation & utilities projects, plus a track record as an effective D6 community leader & problem solver. I’m running for re-election to continue my work restoring the police force and prioritizing public safety. My central goal is to build a thriving, affordable community in District 6 by improving infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and reducing the tax burden for residents.

How would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents? Austin has long had complex regulations that are expensive and time-consuming to navigate. We must streamline regulations, internal processes, and departments, so that permits and approvals are easier for individuals to obtain. It is also critical to maintain a strong financial rating.

Krista Laine Experience: Expert Austin housing market analyst; longtime community leader; Access RRISD co-founder & President; Columbia University graduate www.kristalaine.com

To keep Austin affordable, I’ll advocate for property tax relief, efficient city budgeting, and support for local businesses. I’ll work to stabilize utility rates, explore renewable energy, and ensure residents, especially seniors and low-income households, aren’t priced out of their homes. Affordability remains my top priority.

Mackenzie Kelly* Experience: Current District 6 Council Member www.mackenzie4austin.com

Austin City Council District 10

Why are you running for this office and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address? I want to build on my professional and community service experience to continue to bring accountability and affordability to our budget, land use policies, and city planning. I’ll work to ensure we are putting District 10 people and priorities first and push back against extremism and wastefulness.

How would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents? I’ll leverage my financial and budgeting experience to ensure projects are scoped correctly and tax dollars create value. I’ll advocate for audits, retire obsolete programs, spend our $1.4B in unexpended bonds, and champion metrics that tie spending to outcomes so we can continue what works and fix what’s broken.

Marc Duchen Experience: Two decades in politics, advocacy, technology, running a small business, decade of community board service www.marcforaustin.com

District 10 faces many challenges after years of growth. I grew up in Austin, and I have watched the city change. We are facing public safety challenges, including police staffing and wildfire preparedness, traffic and housing challenges, and the biggest challenge of all - holding on to what makes Austin special.

The median home price in Austin has tripled in the last fifteen years. That’s because we don’t have enough housing. The council should focus its energy on ensuring long-time residents can afford to live here while also responsibly managing growth. We can do more with senior and disabled homestead exemptions.

Ashika Ganguly Experience: Five years [Austin] ISD teacher, UT Masters in Policy, Legislative and Policy Expert at Capitol www.ashikaforaustin.com

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Election

BY BEN THOMPSON

*Incumbent

Austin City Council District 4

Why are you running for this office and what’s the central issue you’re hoping to address?

How would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Louis Herrin Experience Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

I’m running for City Council because Austin needs, and deserves, needs new leadership. District 4 needs a leader who is accessible to the residents, takes the time to listen, and rolls up her sleeves to work alongside them while fighting to protect their rights.

Maintain public utilities; ensure city service costs are progressively increased - no “corporate welfare”; increase public/private partnerships to preserve and increase the stock of income-restricted housing; and collaborate with community stakeholders for equitable investments during the annual budget process.

Monica Guzmán Experience: 10+ years community organizing; 5+ years policy work reflecting needs and expertise of D4 residents www.monicaford4.com

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Eduardo ''Lalito'' Romero Experience Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Affordability is my priority. Austin must be a welcoming city for working class people, not a playground for the rich. We achieve that by building housing, investing in transit and providing social services. Police transparency/accountability is also critical. I passed the Police Open Data Portal resolution to enhance transparency.

Increased housing costs are making Austin unaffordable. City council passed measures to increase housing production and lower housing costs. Those measures are working. Rents and home prices decreased over the last year. School taxes are the biggest part of our property tax bills; the Texas Legislature needs to address this.

José ‘’Chito’’ Vela* Experience: Veteran criminal defense/immigration attorney, PTA President, ATXCouncil leader on

housing and transit www.chitovela.com

I’m running for District 4 City Council to bring our community forward through strategic public-private partnerships. My central focus is on fostering collaboration between the tech industry, local businesses, and public offices to address the critical needs of our district. These partnerships will have a profound impact in three key...

To keep Austin affordable, I would advocate for targeted tax relief for long-term residents and work to streamline city services to reduce costs. By encouraging the development of affordable housing through public-private partnerships and ensuring that growth is balanced and sustainable, we can maintain the character of our neighborhoods while...

Jim Rabuck Experience: Army Ranger and strategic leader in public-private partnerships, delivering efficient solutions for Austin’s future

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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