Growing up in Austin in the 1980s and watching the city change over the decades. The experience inspired me to explore how cities like Austin could develop more intentionally, in a way that meaningfully included those impacted by the changes, created a sense of place and integrated, rather than destroyed, the natural environment. I became an urban planner, and then a civil engineer to give me the experience, skills, and knowledge to answer that question.  

 

Because of my strong planning and civil engineering background, I am a strong advocate for co-creation of our city through inclusive public engagement. We can appreciate investment in Austin but it needs to be on Austinites’ terms. I have years of experience negotiating with developers to modify their development plans so that they better fit within the community’s goals and that prioritize the lived experience of those most impacted by the development.

​

The built environment is the way people experience and feel about Austin. Urban design matters. Development needs to be designed to positively contribute to the overall feel and character of the city and neighborhoods and to integrate the natural environment. We should be holding development to design standards that develop a unique sense of place. [Refer to the section on “Neighborhoods, Housing, & Schools” for more about my advocacy for neighborhood planning and housing.]

 

Austin was on track to becoming the most environmentally sustainable city in the world when the city received an award in 1992 by the United Nations for starting the world’s first city green building program. However, recent City Council decisions deviate from those values (e.g., demolition of the 25-year old Austin Convention Center, secret vote on gas powered peaker plant, weakened environmental regulations for Dog’s Head). I will get us back on track to making decisions that will make Austin a leading example of how to build a city that integrates the natural environment, reduces climate impacts, and promotes our city’s shared green values.  

Historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and renovations are a form of green building and key to maintaining charming character and a physical reminder of the stories of Austin. Policies should encourage maintenance, preservation, and adaptive reuse of buildings and bridges, such as the Barton Springs Zilker Park Bridge, existing housing, and buildings that contribute to the historic fabric of the city. 

 

Let’s Keep Austin Memorable.