Episode 125: Shifting to a Strong Mayor System with Austinites for Progressive Reform

On today’s show we speak with Andrew Allison, Chair of Austinites for Progressive Reform. He and Bingham Group CEO A.J. dive into what the group's charter amendments, particularly moving to a strong mayor system, could mean for Austin. This episode is part of a two part series on the Austin strong mayor debate. Also check out BG Podcast 124: Shifting to a Strong Mayor System with Austinites for Progressive Reform -> https://soundcloud.com/the-bingham-group-llc/episode124 BACKGROUND In July 2020, Austinites for Progressive Reform launched calling for four reforms, including adopting 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). A certification by the City Clerk would then trigger May 1 election. LEARN MORE ABOUT AUSTINITES FOR PROGRESSIVE REFORM Austinites for Progressive Reform (website): https://www.austinprogress.org/ Austinites for Progressive Reform (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/austinitesforprogressivereform Twitter: @austindemocracy Instagram: @austindemocracy 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!