The Austin City Council is the unicameral legislature of the city of Austin, Texas, United States of America. The mayor is included as a member of the council and presides over all council meetings and ceremonies. The current mayor of Austin is Kirk Watson. The duty of the council is to decide the city budget, taxes, and various other ordinances.[2] While the council is officially nonpartisan,[3] all but one current council member are affiliated with the Democratic Party.
Austin City Council | |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Type | |
| Leadership | |
Mayor | |
Mayor Pro Tempore | Leslie Pool (D) since 2024[1] |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 10-1 |
 | |
Political groups | officially nonpartisan Majority Minority |
| Elections | |
| Two-round system | |
Last election | December 14th, 2024 |
| Meeting place | |
 | |
| Austin City Hall | |
| Website | |
| Council Meeting Information | |
Before 2012, the council was composed of six at-large elected members and the mayor, and members could only serve three terms (nine years) on the council. However, in 2012 the citizens of Austin approved two propositions that established ten single-member districts within the city and assigned council and mayoral seats staggered four-year terms, with members limited to two terms. However, the mayor remains as the 11th member on the council, an arrangement known as 10-1. The new setup was first implemented after the 2014 elections.[2]
Duties
editThe duty of the Austin City Council is to oversee and decide on the city budget, local taxes, amendment of laws, and creation of ordinances and policies. The council members meet every Thursday.[2] There are several boards and commissions that are composed of non-elected appointed citizens to give advice and recommendations to council members. These board generally review, debate, and comment on recommendations for the council.[4][2]
Members
editMembers of the council are elected to 4 years terms and can serve a maximum of 2 terms. The current council was elected in 2022.[2] The council is officially nonpartisan; however, all but one current council members and the mayor are affiliated with the Democratic Party.
| District | Name | Party (officially nonpartisan) | Term start | Location[5] | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Kirk Watson | Democratic | January 6, 2023 | Citywide | [6][2] |
| 1 | Natasha Harper-Madison | Democratic | January 7, 2019 | East Austin (North), Harris Branch, MLK | [7][6] |
| 2 | Vanessa Fuentes | Democratic | January 6, 2021 | Southeast Austin, Airport, South End of Congress | [8] |
| 3 | José Velásquez | Democratic | January 6, 2023 | East Austin (South), Montopolis, St. Edwards/Elmo | [9][6] |
| 4 | Jose "Chito" Vela | Democratic | February 4, 2022 | North Central Austin, Highland, Rundberg | [10][6] |
| 5 | Ryan Alter | Democratic | January 6, 2023 | South Lamar, Menchaca, Westgate | [11][6] |
| 6 | Mackenzie Kelly | Republican | January 6, 2021 | Northwest Austin, Lakeline, Lake Travis | [12][6] |
| 7 | Leslie Pool | Democratic | January 6, 2015 | North Austin, Burnet Road, The Domain | [13][6] |
| 8 | Paige Ellis | Democratic | January 7, 2019 | Southwest Austin, Oak Hill, Circle C | [14][6] |
| 9 | Zohaib "Zo" Qadri | Democratic | January 6, 2023 | Downtown, Central Austin, South Congress | [15][6] |
| 10 | Alison Alter | Democratic | January 6, 2017 | West Austin, Tarrytown, Northwest Hills | [16][6] |
Notable past members
edit- Greg Casar (D), U.S. Representative (2023-present)
- Sheryl Cole (D), State Representative (2019-present)
- Delia Garza (D), Travis County Attorney (2021-present)
- Jimmy Flannigan (D), Austin councilmember (2017-2021), first openly gay male city council member in Austin history
- Ann Kitchen (D), State Representative (2001-2003)
- Brigid Shea (D), Travis County Commissioner (2017-present)
- Ellen Troxclair (R), State Representative (2023-present)
Election results
edit2024
edit| Party (officially nonpartisan) | Seats | Gains | Losses | Net gain/loss | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | 10 | 1 | 1 | 
| |
| Democratic (Democratic Socialists of America) | 1 | 1 | 0 |  1
| |
| Republican | 0 | 0 | 1 |  1
| |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Kirk Watson | 166,890 | 50.05 | −0.35 | |
| Democratic | Carmen Llanes Pulido | 68,042 | 20.40 | ||
| Democratic | Kathie Tovo | 55,715 | 16.71 | ||
| Nonpartisan | Jeffrey Bowen | 27,055 | 8.11 | ||
| Democratic | Doug Greco | 15,768 | 4.73 | ||
| Total votes | 333,470 | 100.00 | |||
| Democratic hold | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Vanessa Fuentes | 22,591 | 85.67 | +29.61 | |
| Republican | Robert Reynolds | 3,780 | 14.33 | ||
| Total votes | 26,371 | 100.00 | |||
| Democratic hold | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | José "Chito" Vela | 11,034 | 58.52 | −0.68 | |
| Democratic | Monica Guzmán | 5,223 | 27.70 | +13.95 | |
| Republican | Louis Herrin | 1,149 | 6.09 | ||
| Republican | Jim Rabuck | 819 | 4.34 | ||
| Democratic | Eduardo "Lalito" Romero | 630 | 3.34 | ||
| Total votes | 18,855 | 100.00 | |||
| Democratic hold | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Krista Laine | 6,230 | 51.60 | ||
| Republican | Mackenzie Kelly | 5,843 | 48.40 | −5.89 | |
| Total votes | 12,073 | 100.00 | |||
| Democratic gain from Republican | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (Democratic Socialists of America) | Mike Siegel | 13,681 | 39.83 | |
| Democratic | Gary Bledsoe | 6,624 | 19.28 | |
| Republican | Pierre Huy Nguyễn | 5,110 | 14.88 | |
| Democratic | Adam Powell | 3,828 | 11.14 | |
| Democratic | Todd Shaw | 2,973 | 8.65 | |
| Democratic | Edwin Bautista | 2,135 | 6.22 | |
| Total votes | 34,351 | 100.00 | ||
| Runoff election | ||||
| Democratic (Democratic Socialists of America) | Mike Siegel | 4,402 | 51.20 | |
| Democratic | Gary Bledsoe | 4,196 | 48.80 | |
| Total votes | 8,598 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic (Democratic Socialists of America) gain from Democratic | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Marc Duchen | 20,810 | 50.59 | |
| Democratic | Ashika Ganguly | 20,321 | 49.41 | |
| Total votes | 41,131 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
2022
edit| Party (officially nonpartisan) | Seats | Gains | Losses | Net gain/loss | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| Republican | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Celia Israel | 122,377 | 40.01 | |
| Democratic | Kirk Watson | 106,883 | 34.94 | |
| Republican | Jennifer Virden | 56,313 | 16.71 | |
| Nonpartisan | Phil Campero Brual | 7,340 | 2.39 | |
| Nonpartisan | Anthony Bradshaw | 7,137 | 2.33 | |
| Nonpartisan | Gary Spellman | 5,815 | 1.90 | |
| Total votes | 305,865 | 100.00 | ||
| Runoff election | ||||
| Democratic | Kirk Watson | 57,565 | 50.41 | |
| Democratic | Celia Israel | 56,623 | 49.58 | |
| Total votes | 114,188 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | José "Chito" Vela | 2,141 | 59.24 | |
| Democratic | Monica Guzmán | 497 | 13.75 | |
| Green | Jade Lovera | 402 | 11.23 | |
| Republican | Amanda Rios | 349 | 9.65 | |
| Democratic | Melinda Schiera | 175 | 4.84 | |
| Nonpartisan | Isa Boonto-Zarifis | 33 | 0.91 | |
| Nonpartisan | Ramesses II Setepenre | 17 | 0.47 | |
| Total votes | 3,614 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | José Velásquez | 7,674 | 36.39 | |
| Democratic | Daniela Silva | 7,260 | 34.43 | |
| Democratic | José Noé Elias | 2,318 | 10.99 | |
| Republican | Yvonne Weldon | 1,947 | 9.23 | |
| Democratic | Gavino Fernandez Jr. | 1,078 | 5.11 | |
| Republican | Esala Wueschner | 806 | 3.82 | |
| Total votes | 21,083 | 100.00 | ||
| Runoff election | ||||
| Democratic | José Velásquez | 4,181 | 53.39 | |
| Democratic | Daniela Silva | 3,649 | 46.60 | |
| Total votes | 7,830 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
History
editThe city of Austin was officially incorporated by the Fourth Congress of the Republic of Texas on December 27, 1839. The city was established at the confluence of the Colorado River and Shoal Creek, which was then the site of a small community known as Waterloo. The city was founded to act as the capital of the Republic of Texas and was named in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the so-called Founder of Texas.[17] The governmental structure established by the original Austin charter called for "one mayor, and eight Aldermen", with the mayor being elected city-wide, and each Alderman representing one of the city's eight wards.[18] Austin had its first mayoral election on January 13, 1840, in which citizens elected Edwin Waller to be the city's first mayor.[19]
Districts
editDistrict 1
editAustin's 1st City Council district | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Government | |
| • Councilmember | Natasha Harper-Madison |
| Population (2020)[20] | |
• Total | 93,992 |
| Demographics | |
| • Hispanic | 39.42% |
| • White | 29.47% |
| • Black | 19.86% |
| • Asian | 7.41% |
The Austin City Council 1st district covers east Austin. The current councillor is Natasha Harper-Madison who has represented the district since 2019.[21]
List of city councillors from District 1
edit| Years of service | District 1 | Party Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| January 2015 - January 2019 | Ora Houston | Democratic |
| January 2019 - | Natasha Harper-Madison | Democratic |
District 2
editThe Austin City Council 2nd district covers southeast Austin, including Dove Springs, Bluff Springs, and the Austin Bergstrom International Airport.
The current councillor is Vanessa Fuentes, who has represented the district since 2021.[22] She won re-election in the November 5th, 2024 general election with 85.66% of the vote.
List of city councillors from District 2
edit| Years of service | District 2 | Party Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| January 2015 - January 2021 | Delia Garza | Democratic |
| January 2021 - | Vanessa Fuentes | Democratic |
District 3
editThe Austin City Council '3rd district covers east and south Austin.
The current councillor is Jose Velasquez, who has represented the district since 2023.[23]
List of city councillors from District 3
edit| Years of service | District 3 | Party Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| January 2015 - January 2023 | Pio Renteria | Democratic |
| January 2023 - | Jose Velasquez | Democratic |
District 4
editThe Austin City Council 4th district covers north Austin.
The current councillor is Jose "Chito" Vela, who has represented the district since 2022.[24]
List of city councillors from District 4
edit| Years of service | District 4 | Party Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| January 2015 - November 2021 | Greg Casar | Democratic |
| November 2021 - February 2022 | Vacant | Vacant |
| February 2022 - | Jose "Chito" Vela | Democratic |
District 5
editThe Austin City Council 5th district covers south Austin.
The current councillor is Ryan Alter, who has represented the district since 2023.[25]
List of city councillors from District 5
edit| Years of service | District 5 | Party Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| January 2015 - January 2023 | Ann Kitchen | Democratic |
| January 2023 - | Ryan Alter | Democratic |
District 6
editThe Austin City Council 6th district covers northwest Austin including portions of the city within Williamson County.
The current councillor is Mackenzie Kelly, who has represented the district since 2021.[26] On November 5th, 2024 general election, she lost re-election to Krista Laine.[27]
List of city councillors from District 6
edit| Years of service | District 6 | Party Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| January 2015 - January 2017 | Don Zimmerman | Republican |
| January 2017 - January 2021 | Jimmy Flannigan | Democratic |
| January 2021 - January 2025 | Mackenzie Kelly | Republican |
| January 2025 - | Krista Laine | Democratic |
District 7
editThe Austin City Council 7th district covers north Austin including Crestview, Allendale, and Shoal Creek.
The current councillor is Leslie Pool, who has represented the district since 2015.[28] Since 2024, she has also served as Mayor Pro Tempore. On December 14th, 2024, Mike Siegel defeated Gary Bledsoe in the runoff election to serve as the new councilor from District 7.[29]
List of city councillors from District 7
edit| Years of service | District 7 | Partisan Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| January 2015 – January 2025 | Leslie Pool[30] | Democratic |
| January 2025 - | Mike Siegel | Democratic (Democratic Socialists of America) |
District 8
editThe Austin City Council 8th district covers southwest Austin, including Zilker Park, Barton Creek, and Oak Hill.
The current councillor is Paige Ellis, who has represented the district since 2019.[31] She was re-elected in 2022 with over 60% of the vote..
List of city councillors from District 8
edit| Years of service | District 8 | Party Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| January 2015 - January 2019 | Ellen Troxclair[32] | Republican |
| January 2019- | Paige Ellis[33] | Democratic |
District 9
editThe Austin City Council 9th district covers central Austin, including Downtown, The University of Texas, Travis Heights, Hyde Park, and Mueller.
The current councillor is Zohaib "Zo" Qadri, who has represented the district since 2023.[34]
List of city councillors from District 9
edit| Years of service | District 9 | Party Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| January 2015 - January 2023 | Kathie Tovo[35] | Democratic |
| January 2023- | Zohaib "Zo" Qadri | Democratic |
District 10
editThe Austin City Council 10th district covers west Austin, including Tarrytown, Bryker Woods, Northwest Hills, and River Place.
The incumbent councillor is Alison Alter, who has represented the district since 2017.[36] She did not run for re-election in 2024. In the November 5th, 2024 general election, Marc Duchen defeated Ashika Ganguly to become the councillor-elect from District 10.
List of city councillors from District 10
edit| Years of service | District 9 | Partisan Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| January 2015 - January 2017[37] | Sheri Gallo | Independent |
| January 2017 - January 2025 | Alison Alter | Democratic |
| January 2025 - | Marc Duchen | Democratic |
References
edit- ^ "Leslie Pool launches into the final year of a busy decade". Austin Monitor. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f "Austin, Texas". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Austin City Council signals progressive unity with Ruth Bader Ginsburg accessories". KXAN.com. December 18, 2019. Retrieved February 17, 2020.
- ^ "Boards and Commissions | AustinTexas.gov - The Official Website of the City of Austin". www.austintexas.gov. Retrieved February 17, 2020.
- ^ "Geocortex Viewer for HTML5".
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Terms of Office | AustinTexas.gov - The Official Website of the City of Austin". www.austintexas.gov. Retrieved February 17, 2020.
- ^ "Our Campaigns - Candidate - Natasha Harper-Madison". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
- ^ "About | VANESSA FUENTES FOR AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL". Vanessa for Austin. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
- ^ "District 3 Council Member | Statesman Votetracker". City of Austin. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
- ^ "Jose Vela". Ballotpedia. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
- ^ Smith, Amy. "District 5 Council Member". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
- ^ "Mackenzie Kelly". Ballotpedia. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
- ^ "Leslie Pool". Ballotpedia. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
- ^ "Paige Ellis represents sharp political shift for Southwest Austin's District 8". Austin Monitor. December 28, 2018. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
- ^ "About Council Member Zohaib Zo Qadri". City of Austin. May 30, 2011. Archived from the original on February 17, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
- ^ "Alison Alter". Ballotpedia. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
- ^ "When was Austin founded?". The Austin Public Library. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
- ^ "City of Austin Resource Guide" (PDF). Austin Public Library. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
- ^ "Edwin Waller". Texas State Cemetery. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
- ^ "Austin City Council District Demographics". City of Austin. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Natasha Harper-Madison". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Vanessa Fuentes". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Jose Velasquez". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Jose Vela". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Ryan Alter". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Mackenzie Kelly". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Austin City Council races: Kelly unseated in D6, while Fuentes and Vela are reelected". KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ "Leslie Pool". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Travis County runoff election: Mike Siegel wins Austin City Council D7, AISD board seat, Manor mayor decided". KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station. December 14, 2024. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
- ^ "Leslie Pool". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Paige Ellis". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Ellen Troxclair". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Paige Ellis". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Zohaib Qadri". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Kathryne Beth Tovo". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "Alison Alter". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "History of Mayors | AustinTexas.gov". www.austintexas.gov. Retrieved March 10, 2023.