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
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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