Q&A: Meet Austin City Council District 7 candidates

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

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.

Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?

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.

What are your mobility goals, both citywide and in your district? Are there any upgrades you’d seek for your constituents?

We need to take a varied approach. Adding bike lanes, where appropriate, designing sidewalks to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists, as well as looking into systems other cities utilize (such as the On Demand approach to transit which would run similar to ride sharing apps) must all be considered.

What approach should City Council be taking in relation to public safety and the police department?

We need to implement programs to build trust in the individual police who patrol a community and improve department culture. This must include training to ensure the officers are culturally competent. A restructuring of the department to bring important functions under a civilian chain of command should also be evaluated.

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

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 ...

Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?

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 ...

What are your mobility goals, both citywide and in your district? Are there any upgrades you’d seek for your constituents?

My mobility goals include expanding public transit options, improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, and reducing traffic congestion through smart city planning. For my district, I will focus on increasing access to reliable and frequent public transit, particularly in underserved areas. I also support investments in safe bike lanes and pedestrian ...

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

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.

Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?

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.

What are your mobility goals, both citywide and in your district? Are there any upgrades you’d seek for your constituents?

My goals are to reduce the number of people who drive a vehicle alone to work and, per Vision Zero, to reduce fatalities and injuries. For District 7, I will champion the Project Connect Priority Extension to the Crestview Station and increase funding to make District 7 streets safer.

What approach should City Council be taking in relation to public safety and the police department?

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

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.

Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?

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.

What are your mobility goals, both citywide and in your district? Are there any upgrades you’d seek for your constituents?

Mobility goals include expanding public transit, increasing bike/pedestrian infrastructure and supporting Project Connect. For D7, I’ll push for safer, more connected multi-modal options and improved transit access, particularly in underserved areas. I’ll advocate for a comprehensive land development code rewrite that promotes equitable transit-oriented growth and reduces car dependency.

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

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.

Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?

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.

What are your mobility goals, both citywide and in your district? Are there any upgrades you’d seek for your constituents?

We must protect Project Connect, our city’s essential investment in public transit. We must continue to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. As District 7 transitions from suburban sprawl to increased density, we must reform major arteries like Burnet and Lamar to make them more hospitable to foot traffic and cyclists.

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

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.

Following years of increased property taxes and costs for city services, how would you aim to keep Austin affordable for residents?

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.

What are your mobility goals, both citywide and in your district? Are there any upgrades you’d seek for your constituents?

Many areas of District 7 aren’t safe to navigate outside of a car. We urgently need to improve our sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transit options. I’m also committed to a future of rail throughout District 7, especially through connecting the red line to the planned Project Connect lines.

What approach should the City Council be taking in relation to public safety and the police department?