Council members celebrate unanimous defeat of bill that proposed putting Austin under state control - Austin Monitor

The Austin City Council celebrated the rejection of House Bill 274, which sought to create a "District of Austin" to centralize control under the state. Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes emphasized local leadership in addressing city needs. The bill would have allowed the state to alter city laws, prompting council members to argue it was a political distraction from pressing state issues. The legislation failed in the State Affairs Committee with a 0-11 vote, reflecting a strong consensus against undermining local governance.

"Our message is loud and clear: local leaders are best equipped to address local needs. The overwhelming rebuke from the state Legislature against the creation of the District of Austin is appreciated," Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes said.

"The city of Austin is run by thousands of dedicated civil servants who have made our city a national leader on issues as varied as renewable energy, affordable housing, mental health response and more," Council Member Mike Siegel said.

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