Episode 124: Opposing Strong Mayor Reform with Austin for All People

On today’s show we speak with Mason Ayer and Nico Ramsey with Austin for All People, a grassroots coalition opposed to replacing Austin's current council-manager form of government with a strong mayor form of government. The duo and Bingham Group CEO A.J. dig into the the basis for the opposition, and what lies ahead this spring. This episode is part of a two part series on the Austin strong mayor debate. Also check out BG Podcast 125: Shifting to a Strong Mayor System with Austinites for Progressive Reform -> https://soundcloud.com/the-bingham-group-llc/episode125 BACKGROUND In July 2020, Austinites for Progressive Reform launched with, among other initiatives, a call to adopt a mayor-council form of government, i.e. a strong mayor system. This would transfer the city manager’s duties to the mayor. The city of Austin is currently run under a council-manager system, with power and authority to set policy resting with the city council. The council in turn hires a nonpartisan manager who runs the city (including hiring and firing personnell). The city of Houston is the only major Texas city with a strong mayor system. On Monday, January 11th, Austinites for Progressive Reform filed 24,000 signatures for four city charter amendments (Austin’s constitution). If certification by the City Clerk would then trigger May 1 election. Learn More About Austin for All People Austin for All People (website): https://austinforallpeople.org/ Austin for All People (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/Austin4AllPpl/ Twitter: @Austin4AllPpl Related Episode BG Podcast Episode 110: Discussing City Governments with Professor Sherri Greenberg, LBJ School of Public Affairs -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/episode110 ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC The Bingham Group, LLC is minority-owned full service lobbying firm representing and advising clients on government affairs, public affairs, and procurement matters in the Austin metro and throughout Central Texas. Learn more about us at: https://www.binghamgp.com You can listen to this episode and previous ones on all major streaming services. Please like, link, comment and subscribe!