Meet Doug Greco, Mayoral Candidate for Austin
Austin political scene introduces Doug Greco, one of the four candidates now eyeing the city’s mayoral seat, set to be voted on in November. Running against incumbent Mayor Kirk Watson, Greco sat down to share his thoughts on various key factors of the city, from public safety to transportation and his campaign finance report.
Background of Doug Greco
Born and raised in the coal region of eastern Pennsylvania, Greco is the product of a working-class family. His journey to Austin began after he graduated from Brown University, where he played football and actively participated in theatre productions. He moved to Austin in 1996 and started teaching at Johnston High School on the east side, seeing through a tumultuous period with seven different principals in a span of five years.
Despite the challenges, this experience became a catalyst for Greco in community organizing, eventually leading him to work with Central Texas Interfaith for a total of 12 years as the executive director and lead organizer. Greco’s extensive portfolio also includes working in the LGBTQ rights movement with the largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, and serving as chief of staff with State Rep. Gina Hinojosa. He officially launched his mayoral campaign in February.
His Motivation
Greco decided to run for mayor to address two main issues: Austin’s affordability crisis and defending the city’s local decisions and civil rights against state leaders. The mayoral hopeful believes that the city’s increasing unaffordability is driving out working families and middle-class residents, contributing to rising income inequality. His ambition is to invest in education, workforce, living wage jobs, affordable housing, and housing for those experiencing homelessness to tackle this issue.
Greco also pledged to stand firm against state leaders, particularly Gov. Greg Abbott, on issues where local autonomy and civil rights are threatened. In politics, he firmly believes in having faith in democracy and the agency of active citizens to shape Austin’s future. If elected mayor, Greco expects to make decisive actions toward these causes.
Affordability Plans
As part of his vision to keep working-class families in Austin, Greco proposes investing in education and the workforce. Based on his experience growing up in a working-class family and his stint as a high school teacher, Greco recognizes the value of investing in education and workforce development. He urges the city council and the mayor to invest $40 million new dollars in these sectors.
Addressing Homelessness
Greco lauded the strides made in permanent supportive housing and services for people experiencing homelessness. Yet he acknowledged the need for more investment in emergency and overnight shelters, and medium-term housing measures to better transition these individuals into permanent housing.
Money Matters
As for finances, Greco proved to be a formidable fundraiser among all the challengers, besting them in terms of dollars raised, number of donors, and cash on hand. Despite the relative funding gap he’s working with in comparison to Mayor Watson, Greco remains valiant in his conviction to garner the financial resources necessary to communicate his campaign message and promise to the public effectively.
The Austin mayoral candidate has bold ambitions for the city, prioritizing the welfare of Austin’s working population, improving affordability, and protecting civil liberties. With November on the horizon, residents eager for change will have the chance to cast their votes to decide Austin’s leadership.
