INFLUENCE IN ACTION: Advocacy Committee’s Dynamic Interaction with Local Leaders and Candidates

BY CARRIE SMITH

In the heart of community-driven change lies the pivotal engagement between advocacy committee members and the local leaders and candidates who shape the landscape of governance. These committee members play a vital role in fostering dialogue, driving policy initiatives, and forging partnerships that resonate at the grassroots level.

Raising the Bar: AAA’s Engaging Affair at Pathways Event:

To welcome new members to the Advocacy Committee, the AAA hosted a politics and trivia night at Celis Brewery! Members enjoyed free pints, political trivia, and awesome prizes for the 1st and 2nd place winners! Mayor Kirk Watson’s staffer, Joe Cascino, even joined in on the fun! We eagerly anticipate hosting a sequel next year, promising even more thrills and surprises.

Championing Civic Engagement –Engaging with Local Candidates:

Our Advocacy Committee’s inaugural meeting on February 13th was nothing short of a triumph. We had the honor of hosting Pierre Nguyen, the Austin City Council Candidate for District 7, in alignment with our ongoing mission to connect with local candidates actively. This impactful event underscored our dedication to nurturing an informed electorate by directly engaging with those aspiring to serve our vibrant community. A heartfelt thank-you extends to Pierre Nguyen for generously sharing his insights, enriching our understanding, and emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in cultivating a vibrant and thriving community. Stay tuned as we embark on a continued journey to welcome and engage with other local candidates, reinforcing our commitment to civic participation and informed decision-making within our association.

Driving Policy DiscussionsEngaging with Austin City Council Members:

Our Advocacy Committee members demonstrated proactive involvement in shaping the future of the rental housing community during discussions with District 9 Council Member, Zo Qadri. The discourse spanned various crucial topics, including the AISD housing directory, first responder housing incentives, the Repeat Offender Program, and hot-button issues like the AC multifamily mandate resolution and the “No Windowless Bedrooms” resolution. This dynamic engagement highlighted the pivotal role of community involvement in influencing policy decisions. Council Member Qadri extended an invitation to participate in stakeholder discussions on his “No Windowless Bedrooms” proposal, held on February 15th and February 29th, 2024. The advocacy committee leaders encouraged developers, affordable housing experts, investors, and all members to join these discussions, contributing valuable input to the city’s initiatives. Our Advocacy members also had constructive discussions with Council Members Jose “Chito” Vela, Ryan Alter, and Paige Ellis, setting the stage for ongoing dialogues with key members of our Austin City Council.

As we navigate the landscape of community engagement and policy advocacy, the AAA remains committed to delivering exceptional experiences and shaping the trajectory of Austin’s rental housing community. Stay tuned for more updates and impactful engagements that reflect the spirit of our vibrant association.