Election Q&A: Austin City Council District 9 candidates

How safe do you believe Austin is today? Do you think any funding, staffing or operational changes are needed in the city’s public safety departments?

I live in downtown Austin, and while I believe that our city still is safe—I do know that criminalizing mental health crises, addiction, or housing insecurity won't solve safety problems especially as it only increases recidivism due to job or housing discrimination. Reimagining public safety in our city does require a hard look at if our city services are receiving equitable funding and pay parity. EMS workers have requested a pay raise and yet only received 17 additional cents to their paychecks. Additionally, the EMS pension and retirement program has not met parity with other city departments including firefighters and police, causing staffing shortages for emergency responses and forcing undued burdens on police response. We've seen that non-violent, mental health, or civil service conflicts have only increased pressure and weight on the Austin city police department and the existing staff. We don't want to lay-off hard paying workers in order to balance the city's budget that is currently inflated by major expenditures made to help people stay afloat as bandages to the affordability crisis. However, we have seen empirically in other cities that funding street lights can decrease violent crime in urban cores by 80%, and funding EMS services for holistic response to calls can do more to reimagine public safety to help all Austinites.

How do you believe city resources should be used to address homelessness? What do you see as the most effective policy options to get people services and housing?

As we approach conversations of development, we must ensure equity is prioritized and actualized in the distribution of the city’s anti-displacement funds, while also knowing that this is only a fraction of the funds necessary to prevent continuing city plans that hurt vulnerable communities more than they help. Additionally, to prevent displacement and stop homelessness we will push to fortify our right-to-return and right-to-stay programs, expand community land trusts, reform our land use code, and reflect on innovative policies like that in Oklahoma City in order to create housing programs for working families and city workers who may risk housing insecurity and displacement due to the prohibition by our state to raise minimum wages in cities across Texas. Finally, investing in community health clinics, wraparound services in schools, and building abundant and affordable housing are all necessary to intervene in the earlier stages of housing insecurity that lead to chronic homelessness.

How should council address the implementation of larger transportation initiatives including the I-35 expansion and Project Connect? What safety and mobility improvements would you propose for city roadways and bike/pedestrian routes?

I unequivocally stand with advocates calling for “No Wider, No Higher” regarding the expansion of I-35. A scar through the community, I-35 first started as an unspoken line of segregation 70 years ago, the expansion plan merely fortifies this divide. 1950's planning won't solve congestion and, when looking at examples like the Katy Freeway which only increased the average commute by 19 minutes, that induced demand without investment in reliable and frequent public transit only worsens congestion and traffic violence. With the prospect of ‘cap and stitch’ programs, we can reimagine our relationship to I-35, and invest in transit plans that help Austin meet our climate, safety, and equity goals instead of ones that send us backwards. I-35 expansion isn’t the answer, but instead this moment can be a vehicle in and of itself in pushing our city to look at investing in multi-modal, pedestrian-friendly, and robust public transportation reforms. Reforming city and regional policy goals to make our city more walkable and pedestrian friendly is critical as we join other cities in reimagining a vision of multi modal transit. This includes increasing protected bike-lanes, adding and expand ADA accessibility to the remaining sidewalk curb-cuts, and working with many of the experts in this crowd and at the organizations putting on this forum to develop innovative policy- and design-solutions that develops safe, attractive and walkable places in District 9 and across Austin.

How would you promote accessibility, transparency, and trust between City Council and the public?

There are a number of ways in which City Council meetings, our internal government bureaucracy, and the process of campaigning can be more representative and accessible for everyday Austinites. First, women, LGBTQIA people, and people of color are extremely underrepresented on our appointed city commissions. As your city council member, I will appoint commissioners that truly reflect the diversity of our city. Additionally, We must ensure interpretation services for people with disabilities and/or non-English speakers at any public-facing city government events and uplift the voices of our disabled neighbors to ensure accessibility in all parts of city life. Moreover, I will expand on our existing Campaign Finance and Elections Act as a city to close loopholes of personal loans to campaigns by independently wealthy candidates which still allows for the disparity against people-powered campaigns. While we can't legislatively ensure the public trusts our council, my commitment to frequent and accessible town halls, public input, transparency, and civic engagement reforms will hopefully work towards that goal.

How should council address the implementation of larger transportation initiatives including the I-35 expansion and Project Connect? What safety and mobility improvements would you propose for city roadways and bike/pedestrian routes?

As a council member, I will ensure that the project our citizens have voted on and approved have the right people at the table to ensure that we deliver the most impactful improvements of project connect as quickly as possible. I-35 is a monumental opportunity for us to utilize TxDOT money to begin to repair the damage done when the construction of the freeway separated our city.

How would you promote accessibility, transparency, and trust between City Council and the public?

I cannot effectively govern without the trust of my constituents. I will do everything in my power to get the stakeholders and experts in the room to establish facts and move away from speculation. Speculation can be crippling to the process and will not only fuel a lack of trust with my office but will increase the divisiveness that already exists between those on opposite sides of a debate.

How should council address the implementation of larger transportation initiatives including the I-35 expansion and Project Connect? What safety and mobility improvements would you propose for city roadways and bike/pedestrian routes?

The voter-approved Project Connect is a great start in our community’s desire to build for equity, mobility and sustainability. Sadly, the TxDOT plan to expand I-35 is a dark cloud hanging over Austin that could exacerbate the cultural and socio-economic divides of the last century, and I strongly oppose the expansion. Along with reducing our reliance on cars, we must continue to invest in walkability, bike lanes and other efforts which generate less harmful carbon emissions and prevent sprawl.

How would you promote accessibility, transparency, and trust between City Council and the public?

Serving on City Council should not be about political ambition or holding onto power, but instead about public service. I fundamentally believe this service is only possible through active listening, collaboration and problem solving. For too long, Austinites have felt a lack of responsiveness from their government, and I intend to address this by holding open office hours, being a frequent face in the District 9 community as I’ve been for years, and being accessible to the community even beyond election season.

How should council address the implementation of larger transportation initiatives including the I-35 expansion and Project Connect? What safety and mobility improvements would you propose for city roadways and bike/pedestrian routes?

Infrastructure is critical. Must be upgraded to meet current demand and ensured prior to more density and a part of any major plan moving forward. Project Connect is failing and an Austinite nightmare. I also think a full review of plans , complete transparency and a regroup with all the stakeholders to set a more reasonable process with the least consequence possible. I35 expansion can learn from the mistakes of Project Connect and be handled properly and responsibly.

How would you promote accessibility, transparency, and trust between City Council and the public?

Full audits and transparency on where our money is going. A full blown money trail report is needed with all details providing full transparency and maintaining such moving forward.

How do you believe city resources should be used to address homelessness? What do you see as the most effective policy options to get people services and housing?

The rise in homelessness is a national humanitarian crisis fueled by Republican-ran states slashing mental health budgets, skyrocketing housing costs, and increasing economic disparities. The city's HEAL initiative is a good program, but it’s not enough, and we just learned that nearly a third of program participants left without a permanent home placement. The city must improve data collection to better understand how people are moving through HEAL, and work to decrease the time they’re waiting for housing placement. We should partner with adjacent communities and the private sector on a strategic regional plan that takes a housing first approach and increases temporary and permanent supportive housing. We should also better coordinate with the dozens of nonprofits serving those experiencing homelessness. In the meantime, those living on the streets need access to basic services to protect their health and safety. We should continue to expand access to cooling and heating centers, including transit to-and-from facilities. We should explore how other city facilities like libraries, recreation centers, and community centers can help support the unhoused community. We should also explore all options to expand access to mental health and substance abuse treatment.

How should council address the implementation of larger transportation initiatives including the I-35 expansion and Project Connect? What safety and mobility improvements would you propose for city roadways and bike/pedestrian routes?

Successfully implementing Project Connect will reduce car dependence and congestion, incentivize housing development, and help Austin achieve our environmental goals. It’s truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make Austin a more accessible, inclusive and sustainable city. It was also great to see $300 million of anti-displacement funds included in the project. However, as we’ve seen projected costs rise, we must also consider whether the original amount is sufficient or should be increased. Additionally, I take to heart the concerns I’ve heard about construction impacting local businesses operations. As for residents, we should take measures to ensure that local businesses are minimally impacted by construction. Renovating I-35 is another significant infrastructure project with the opportunity to greatly increase transportation safety and efficiency. We must continue to push TxDOT for a design solution that minimizes impacts to homes and businesses and better connects our community. The current upper deck segment is the most dangerous stretch of road in Texas and must be addressed, but there is no sense in tearing a wider scar through the heart of the most vibrant city in America. At the very least, we must work with TxDOT to ensure that renovations allow for I-35 to be capped from 32nd Street to 38th Street, and ideally all the way up to Airport. The city should also incentivize denser, more walkable, transit-oriented development, which will reduce car dependency and increase utility efficiency. Development along Project Connect lines and other transit corridors presents an incredible opportunity to sustainably house our growing community. Dedicating right-of-way for buses on corridors will greatly improve transit, and completing the sidewalk system and the urban trail network, adding protected bike lanes, and increasing e-bike subsidies will make it safer and easier for pedestrians and bikers to traverse the city.

How would you promote accessibility, transparency, and trust between City Council and the public?

The Austin City Council is suffering from a crisis of confidence. Too many people in our community see the responses to COVID and other disasters, housing affordability, homelessness, and public safety as proof that our city government simply doesn’t work, and this perpetuates anger, frustration, and distrust. This November’s election is the opportunity to bring in new leaders with fresh ideas, reset the public discourse and rebuild trust with all of our residents. As a city, we must be more transparent and accessible to the public, especially when it comes to how their tax dollars are spent. I know from working in a City Council office that constituent services are table stakes, and that you must be available to and represent everyone in your district, not just those who voted for you or can make it down to City Hall. Our office will be accessible, transparent, and visible in the community. We'll attend neighborhood meetings and hold open office hours to listen and learn about the community’s priorities and concerns, and make sure that nobody is left behind as Austin continues to evolve. The challenges we face are complicated and multifaceted, and we're not always going to agree on everything. That's okay, but the city must always be transparent if we hope to earn back the trust of our community. I've been a collaborator and a coalition-builder throughout my career, and I know that, together, we can find common ground and opportunities to make Austin a better city for us all.

How do you believe city resources should be used to address homelessness? What do you see as the most effective policy options to get people services and housing?

There are different populations in the homeless community, and one size does not fit all. The city should develop a system to aid people appropriately. Community First Village does a good job of creating community. The following four steps can help with homelessness: 1. Have the data—identify and engage people at risk of and experiencing homelessness; 2. Support those that have housing now who may lose it. Intervene to stop people from losing their housing and divert people from becoming homeless; 3. Have shelter and crisis service available for immediate access; 4. Connect people who are homeless to housing assistance and services that they need to help them get, maintain stable housing, and deal with problems including mental health, addictions, and unemployment.

How should council address the implementation of larger transportation initiatives including the I-35 expansion and Project Connect? What safety and mobility improvements would you propose for city roadways and bike/pedestrian routes?

I see Project Connect as a transformative project. However, with the 30% design not yet completed, I have concerns about the impact of Project Connect on local businesses, the cost increases, and the environmental effect of two river crossings. As a Council Member, I’d like to serve on the CapMetro board, so that I have the opportunity and information to oversee Project Connect. I’m similarly concerned about TxDOT’s proposed widening of I-35 and subsequent displacement of an estimated 150 homes and businesses. Widening highways typically encourages more automobile traffic resulting in more pollution. I think the proposals for a greener, more sustainable I35 area will be embedded in the future Cap and Stitch process currently being worked on with stakeholder involvement. I support most of the Rethink I35 and Reconnect Austin’s goals which can be incorporated into the final plan. When I chaired the community scoping working group on this project, I established a relationship with the TxDOT staff. I will build on that relationship to find solutions for the impacts on affordability, displacement, and the environment. The City Council and members of the public need to continue to advocate for a better plan. Improving road safety requires better enforcement to ensure that drivers obey the signs and signals on the road. A public education campaign would help inform drivers of the importance of following the rules of the road.

How would you promote accessibility, transparency, and trust between City Council and the public?

I decided to run for council because many people were expressing feelings of being discouraged and unheard. Many residents report that Austin holds community engagement meetings and then fails to address the public's concerns. It is vital for transparency and an effective process that staff and council listen to the public. Part of our responsibility is to listen to the public during public hearings. I will advocate for the council to return to pre-Covid rules at City Council meetings, when everyone is allowed to speak for at least 3 minutes and use time certain to make sure people can be heard. In my own office, I will create an open door policy and quarterly round table discussion to understand residents' most pressing concerns. I am willing to meet with neighborhood associations ahead of time and discuss issues with committee members. I will commit to building on my strong relationships and community trust during my service on the City Council.

How do you believe city resources should be used to address homelessness? What do you see as the most effective policy options to get people services and housing?

Homelessness has affected members of my family and, if elected, it will be a top priority for me as a council member. I firmly believe that we can and should end chronic homelessness by providing adequate permanent housing to those who need it. On the way to achieving that goal, and by 2024, we should provide a minimum of basic shelter to all those who need it. By the end of 2023, we should expand transitional or emergency shelter in order to immediately lift up the health and safety of all those who are unhoused. Our overall housing policy also plays a major role. As local housing prices rise, and more people have to spend over 30% of their income on housing, homelessness also increases. People of higher incomes outbid those who earn a little less, and the result is that those with the lowest incomes have nowhere they can afford to live. Ending chronic homelessness means that we need to allow for more housing across income levels. Indeed, there is typically a contributing factor to becoming unhoused (e.g. mental health issues, drug addiction, escaping domestic violence, job loss, systemic racism, or residence damage), and those all require attention too, but fundamentally, homelessness is a housing problem.

How should council address the implementation of larger transportation initiatives including the I-35 expansion and Project Connect? What safety and mobility improvements would you propose for city roadways and bike/pedestrian routes?

I’ve led efforts over the last 16 years to expand our city’s sidewalks, bikeways, trails, and transit access so that more people can safely and conveniently get around Austin without a car. I would build on that work by ensuring that Project Connect is successfully implemented and that our all-ages-and-abilities walking, wheelchair, and bikeway networks serve all parts of Austin. I have also led on Vision Zero road safety for car passengers and would continue that work as well. I am opposed to expanding I-35, which will displace businesses and residences, exacerbate climate change, and, according to TxDOT, result in longer travel times for most users after it’s completed. If the I-35 CapEx Central project moves forward despite local opposition, I am committed to restoring the urban fabric and maximizing what can be created at the surface, e.g. parks, affordable housing, and safer streets. I have led on Austin’s I-35 efforts for the last 8 years via Reconnect Austin, Rethink35, Our Future 35, and have played a key role in successfully depressing the main lanes and in shaping the political conversation to include residents’ input and needs. It is not yet top-of-mind to most of those in District 9, but these and other upcoming major transportation construction projects will be an inescapable part of life in the district for several years. These projects require coordination across multiple government agencies, all of which I have experience working with in my various leadership roles. To weather the construction, we will need to provide residents, workers, and visitors with enhanced bus and MetroRail access that can bypass congestion, plus preserve safe walking and bicycling access. We will need to ensure that businesses and other destinations continue to be accessible by all modes of transportation, and that any traffic flow changes are well-communicated to businesses and other stakeholders.

How would you promote accessibility, transparency, and trust between City Council and the public?

I would pursue several measures. Our city council meeting process and decision making structure must be made clearer to a lay person and our news media. The role that city council plays in the timelines of various city functions must also be more clearly described. Council items that have significant public interest should be heard and discussed at specified times. The roles of city expenditures and their relation to various other public budgets must be clearly relayed to the public in an understandable format. As previously mentioned, we must cycle through every city program to ensure that each program is still bringing good value to Austinites, and we should communicate that value to the public. Robust community participation is fundamental to a well-functioning government. As a community leader, I’ve participated in numerous community engagement processes and have witnessed how the quality of the process compares to the trust developed between community members and our government. I believe the best decisions can be made only when various viewpoints are heard and become a part of shaping the process and result. I recognize that not every issue can be anticipated in advance, so I’ve included Constituent Services among my campaign issues to emphasize the importance of constituent communication, and I will be responsive to emerging concerns. If elected, I would visit community meetings plus other in-person and video forums for direct engagement on a regular basis. I would also have periodic open office hours.