United Way of Greater Austin to host mayoral forum

Hopeful mayoral candidates will face off again Sept. 3 at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.

United Way for Greater Austin is hosting the forum, which begins at 4:30 p.m. at the renovated Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar location, in hope of learning more about the candidate's plans to help those with lower incomes.

"We believe that anyone that works in Austin should be able to live in Central Texas," said Heather Beckel Luecke, vice president of brand and marketing for United Way. "Central Texas should be affordable for everyone that comes to work in our community."

The mission of the nonprofit organization is to help residents overcome barriers for economic opportunity and affordable living, Beckel Luecke said. Candidates will discuss topics such as affordable childcare, after school programs and health and human services for the working poor.

United Way for Greater Austin decided to get involved in the series of mayoral forums because of the importance of this upcoming election, Beckel Luecke said.

"This is so clearly if not the one of the most historic and important elections that our city has ever faced given that we're going to elect a brand new mayor combined with a new single member district form of government and the explosive growth of Austin over the last few years," Beckel Luecke said.

Alamo Drafthouse was selected to host the forum, she said, because it serves as a symbol of the rapid change and growth taking place in many parts of Austin.