Ellen Troxclair's SPECTACULAR Committee Assignments

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
Galatians 6:9

Wow, go Ellen:

AUSTIN, TX - Today, Austin City Council Member Ellen Troxclair was appointed by Mayor Steve Adler to serve on five Committees of the Austin City Council, including as Chair of the Committee on Economic Opportunity, Technology, Innovation and Creative Industries and as Vice Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee. Although committee appointments will need final approval of the Council at this Thursday’s meeting, the list released today by the Mayor also lists CM Troxclair as a member of the Public Utilities Committee, the Health and Human Services Committee, and the Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee, which will remain as a committee of the whole.

CM Troxclair stated, “Each of these committees have major implications both in District 8, and across the City as a whole. I am honored by the trust the Mayor has placed in me with these appointments. As Chair of the Economic Opportunity, Technology, Innovation, and Creative Industries Committee, I am looking forward to leading the policy discussions on a broad range of areas that are critical to Austin’s dynamic economy. Serving as Vice Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee will allow me to continue my passion for efficient and effective government in an effort to lower the cost of living in Austin while maintaining our quality of life.”

According to the recently passed ordinance creating the new committee structure, the Economic Opportunity, Technology, Innovation, and Creative Industries Committee will cover topics such as job creation, small and minority business development, economic incentives, improvement districts, economic development corporations, trade and commerce, minority and women owned business contracting policies, emerging technology, tourism, events, entertainment, live music, film and television production, sports, library, culture, art, and related matters.

The Audit and Finance Committee will review audit reports, matters related to the city auditor, the city clerk, internal services, bond oversight, purchasing and contract audits, boards and commissions, taxation, financial policy, government performance, bonds and City debt, bond-funded programs, retirement systems, employee benefits, banking and investment policies, performance metrics and reporting, budget matters, affordability, and related matters.

The Public Utilities will focus on water, wastewater, and telecommunications related issues while the Health and Human Services Committee will address topics such as social services, education, public health, and veterans’ affairs.

It's still too soon to tell how the new council will govern, but giving Ellen a meaningful voice in economic policy, auditing the city, and public utilities is a very good sign.