My First Six Months

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Subject: My First Six Months

Earlier this month, I reached the 6-month milestone as Austin City Council Member! I'm incredibly proud to represent District 10 at City Hall. Read on for a report covering some of the things my team and I have accomplished so far!

Right now we're still in the midst of budget season at City Hall. With a budget shortfall and shrinking sales tax revenue, we're facing some tough decisions about what we prioritize and whether or not to raise taxes. My top priority will always be keeping Austin affordable and safe for everyone. Please take a look at this presentation highlighting some key data about taxes, spending, and Austin's changing family demographics.

I'm really looking forward to hearing from residents at my Budget Town Hall on Aug 6th. Details, registration, and a link to my short budget survey are below. Hope to see you there!

This is the time of year Austin puts together its annual financial plan, and City Hall needs to hear from residents like you! Please join my Budget Town Hall next Wednesday, Aug 6th.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 6, 6 - 8 PM (doors open at 5:30)

WHERE: Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, 7050 Village Center Dr.

RSVP: Register at bit.ly/3GIO0Bl

Your input on Austin's budget is more important than ever. A financial shortfall was projected for the first time in many years, giving local officials a tough choice: They'll need to either manage public funds more effectively or present voters with a tax increase.

Learn more - check out our City tax and finance explainer.

Join us to learn more, ask questions, and share your priorities for our community. The evening will include a budget presentation, a Q&A session, and an update from Texas State Senator Sarah Eckhardt on legislative issues that could impact Austin's finances.

TAKE OUR D10 BUDGET SURVEY: Your input is critical – take our brief budget survey today!

TAKE BUDGET SURVEY

Questions? Send us a note at district10@austintexas.gov or call us at 512-978-2110.

D10 SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

I'm proud of what my team and I have accomplished in our first six months. We're already making a difference, and we're just getting started.

We Rolled Up Our Sleeves Right Away
We defined our key priorities early on and have worked hard to make a positive difference for District 10 and all of Austin

Wildfire: I led on passage of the updated Wildland Urban Interface code to keep Austin safer and more fire-resilient, and actively helped connect residents with Structure Ignition Zone (SIZE) evaluation offered by the Austin Fire Department, to reduce the risk of wildfire igniting or spreading to their homes. I continue to work with AFD, the Wildfire Division, and the Public Information Office to roll out a Wildfire Action Plan to help the community understand what we’ve accomplished, what we are continuing to work on, and how homeowners can help.

Spending: I redirected a massive expenditure on Cap-and-Stitch to a more moderately sized project, and my staff and I are scrutinizing the 2025-2026 City budget to identify areas of unproductive spending to help avoid higher property taxes.

Parks: I sponsored and passed a resolution to rename a West Austin park in honor pioneering athlete and leader Don Baylor, and kicked off a volunteer-driven pilot program to clear dry, easily ignited, dead-and-down brush in our wooded parklands which we're working to expand to a city-wide program next year.

Housing: I recommended amendments to our problematic Density Bonus 90 program, and worked with the Housing team at the city to develop strategies and redirect resources to protect naturally occurring affordable housing

Public Safety: I'm currently working with APD to address speeding on 2222, supporting fire crew and aerial truck staffing, and working with local communities to combat mail theft. In addition, we're making well-researched public safety budget recommendations for the new fiscal year.

We Kept Residents Informed
Providing City of Austin-related news and information to residents is critical to safety, well-being, and quality of life in our district.

We Listened to the Community
Engaging directly with residents and responding to their questions and concerns is one the most important parts of my job.

I’m proud of what we’ve done so far in just 6 short months, and I’m looking forward to continuing to make District 10 and all of Austin safer, greener, and more affordable.

FLOOD UPDATES

Flood Victims and Responders Still Need Our Help

The victims of last month’s Central Texas floods and the groups who continue to lead response efforts need our community’s assistance. Here are a few of the hardworking organizations that deserve our help, along with donation links:

Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN)
The ADRN’s Central Texas Flood Emergency Response program is seeking financial contributions, volunteers, food donations, and more

Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country launched the fund to support local response, relief, and recovery efforts. All contributions go directly to organizations working on the front lines.

Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR)
TEXSAR funds and manages swift water rescue teams, boats, drones, and canine units used to search for missing individuals. Help them prepare for our area’s next weather catastrophe!

Shalom Austin
Shalom Austin is raising funds to help families directly impacted by the floods in Central Texas. Every donation provides urgently needed recovery assistance.

World Central Kitchen
The World Central Kitchen is looking for help providing meals to first responders in the Kerrville area.

Hill Country Helpers
All contributions to the Hill Country Helpers will go toward water, tarps, blankets, toiletries, canned goods, and other supplies for flood victims

Other ways you can help: Visit this page for other ways you can assist flood victims and responders, plus a list of resources for those impacted by the disaster.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) notice: SNAP recipients in Travis, Williamson, and other impacted counties can request a benefit from the agency to replace food lost or destroyed due to the floods. Victims have until Monday, August 4, to file for the replacement. To make a request, call 2-1-1 (choose option 7) or submit this form by mail to Texas Health and Human Services, PO Box 159027, Austin, TX 78714-9027. The form may also be faxed to 877-447-2839.

TAX RELIEF FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

If your property was damaged by flooding, you may be eligible for a temporary exemption on your property taxes. For more information and instructions for applying, visit the Travis County Central Appraisal District’s disaster-related exemptions page.

URGENT: Adopt a Pet Orphaned by the Central Texas Floods

The Austin Animal Center is over capacity and is seeking emergency foster homes and adopters for both cats and dogs, in part due to recent flooding.

Shelter life is stressful for animals and can impact their well-being. Your support—whether by fostering or adopting—can make a difference! Click here to learn more.

Free spaying and neutering: If your pet needs to be spayed or neutered, you have until August 1 to take advantage of free services by the Austin Animal Center, in partnership with Greater Good Charities. Spaying or neutering a pet can cost up to $525 on average, and this free clinic helps keep Austin’s canine and feline community healthy and thriving!

The clinic is being held from 7:30 until 10:00 AM at the Circuit of the Americas racing facility, located at 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard in Del Valle.

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Subject: My First Six Months