Austin’s City Manager Reflects on His First Six Months
Austin has been buzzing with excitement as City Manager _T.C. Broadnax_ marks his first six months in charge. Hired in April by an enthusiastic City Council, Broadnax has jumped right in to tackle the city’s most pressing issues. Coming from a successful tenure in Dallas, he’s ready to roll up his sleeves and make Austin an even better place to live.
Finding a Homey Vibe in Austin
Broadnax is all about _community engagement_. In a recent conversation, he expressed how welcoming the city has been, saying, “It’s been probably one of the more refreshing six months in my career.” He compared his experience in Dallas, a much larger city, to Austin’s more _homey atmosphere_. “It seems a little bit more homey here to me,” he noted, emphasizing the _authentic connections_ he’s made so far.
A Key Hire: Police Chief
One of Broadnax’s top priorities has been hiring a police chief, and he’s accomplished just that with the appointment of _Chief Lisa Davis_ in September. As the new leader of the police force, Davis brings a fresh perspective that is crucial for enhancing community-oriented policing. Broadnax hopes Davis will help rebuild _trust_ between the department and the community, noting the importance of having someone in that role who truly understands the challenges faced on the ground.
Budgets and Building Blocks
Getting to grips with the city’s budget was another hurdle right off the bat. “I started in May, and two months later, we had to propose a budget,” Broadnax said with a hint of determination in his voice. With support from his talented team, he managed to blend their efforts with new ideas and present a budget that the Council adopted in August—something he considers an important milestone. _“I’m excited about this budget because it brings a lot of good things for this community,”_ he added.
Housing Affordability Efforts
Austin’s housing market is a hot topic, and Broadnax understands the need for improvement. He spoke about strategies to address _affordability_, highlighting the council’s efforts to tweak zoning laws to allow for more density and flexibility in housing development. “I understand that market forces are always going to be greater than what a local government can impact,” he said, emphasizing the importance of continuing to open doors for new housing opportunities.
Getting Ahead of Homelessness
The battle against homelessness is another pressing issue Broadnax is keen on tackling. He noted that the city has been working hard to consolidate its efforts in managing homelessness and ensuring that resources are directed appropriately. “There needs to be a more defined plan that addresses different levels of support for our homeless community,” he explained. Broadnax emphasized the importance of not just focusing on one area but rather addressing the broader spectrum of needs.
A Collaborative Future
Broadnax sees communication and collaboration as vital ingredients for success in city governance. With strong connections to both council members and community leaders, he believes the city can better address the frustrations that residents have been feeling. “The conversations and communications have been two ways,” he explained, “meaning they get a lot of face time with me.” It’s clear that keeping communication channels open is a top priority for Broadnax as he looks to build a _thriving community_ alongside the council.
Keeping Austin Prepared
Preparing for emergencies is also on Broadnax’s radar. He emphasized the importance of training and having a solid plan for any natural disasters that may arise. “We think we’re ready,” he remarked hopefully, underscoring the efforts made to ensure public safety personnel are equipped to respond effectively.
As Broadnax continues his journey in Austin, he remains committed to weaving the threads of community input, effective leadership, and dedicated service together for the betterment of the city. The journey may just be beginning, but with his positive outlook, the future looks bright for Austin!
