AAA ADVOCATE WEEK

We kicked off in Hays County, where our team sat down with a dynamic group of Justices of the Peace. These folks do it all—handling everything from truancy cases to issuing marriage licenses, and even serving as coroners. Their days are as unpredictable as a Texas summer, and they brought that same energy to our discussions. They didn’t just talk shop; they shared stories that brought their roles to life, like crime scene tales straight out of a true crime podcast. In between the interesting stories, we did address the serious stuff.

One major takeaway from this meeting was the importance of proper delivery of Notices handles many cases involving student housing, had a cautionary tale: hand that notice to anyone other than the tenant in violation, and you could be looking at delays that might just drive you mad. And when it comes to eviction appeals, sometimes, it’s better to let the case go to trial rather than contesting an appeal, as it can expedite the resolution and reduce costs.

All the judges agreed on one thing: documentation is king. A simple photo with a timestamp or certified mail can be the difference between a smooth eviction process and a procedural nightmare. Lesson learned: when in doubt, document it!

Next, AAA headed over to Williamson County, where the conversations took on a different tone. While evictions were still on the table, the judges in Williamson County—like Judge Evelyn McLean and Judge KT Musselman—were equally concerned about the human toll of housing instability.

We didn’t just talk about problems; we brainstormed solutions. The judges proposed creating a comprehensive resource list for struggling tenants, which could be shared on AAA’s website. This list would include everything from financial aid to mental health services offered throughout the Central Texas area, offering a lifeline to those who need it most. They also offered their courts for educational training sessions, where property managers could learn the ins and outs of eviction proceedings and best practices.

As we moved into the city, the conversation shifted to broader policy concerns. Austin City Council Member Jose “Chito” Vela welcomed us with as we asked to take a deep dive into public safety, pedestrian issues, and of course, the infamous composting ordinance. Council Member Vela was particularly interested in the potential of collaborating on the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) with the goal of fixing parts or the Repeat Offender Program (ROP) and exploring ways to address the composting ordinance. His openness to dialogue and willingness to consider district-specific approaches was refreshing, and we’re eager to see where these conversations lead.

Of course, no week in local politics would be complete without talking about affordable housing. Williamson County Commissioner Russ Boles, for one, stressed the need for more affordable housing projects to accommodate blue-collar workers. With rising development in the area, there’s a clear opportunity— and need—to close the gap in housing affordability.

Throughout the week, we found ourselves returning to a few recurring themes: the importance of proper documentation in eviction processes, the need for community solutions, and the value of collaboration between the public and private sectors. Whether we were talking with a county commissioner or a city council member, it was clear that everyone involved shares a common goal—making our communities better places to live.

As Advocate Week came to a close, we walked away with more than just notes and action items. We left with a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger connection to the leaders who are shaping the future of housing in Central Texas. It was a week of stories, solutions, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Here’s to the next steps, the follow-ups, and the continued collaboration that will carry these conversations forward.

Until next year, keep advocating, keep engaging, and let us keep making strides together!

(A huge thank you to the local elected officials and their staff who helped make AAA Advocate Week a success: Judge Beth Smith, Judge JR Mendoza, Judge Maggie Moreno, Judge Andrew Cable, Judge Sandra Bryant, Judge Evelyn McLean, Judge KT Musselman, City Council Member Jose “Chito” Vela, Judge Angela Williams, Commissioner Russ Boles, Commissioner Brigid Shea, Commissioner Terry Cook, City Council Member Ryan Alter, City Council Member Jude Prather, Judge Andy Brown, and Judge Raul Gonzalez. A BIG thank you to the AAA members who participated in Advocate Week: Allen Vaughn, Josh Craig, Eric Leonard, Nubia Regalado, Koreen Jones, Danielle Archuleta, Donna Garza, Mike Reid, and Cecil Domel.)