Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis, who served as the mayor pro tem through 2023, has declared her commitment to continue championing for mobility and parks in the coming year. Following a tenure marked by a meticulous partnership with Mayor Kirk Watson, Ellis is sharpening her focus on urban transportation and recreational spaces as per an announcement she made earlier.
Ellis has been an ardent advocate for improving mobility in the city since her initial election in 2018. A significant ambition of hers is the expansion of trails and the enhancement of roads and streets, as well as reducing speed limits to bolster the safety around neighborhoods and parks. Ellis sponsored an amendment to slash parking requirements for most businesses with an emphasis on bicycle infrastructure. "We’d like to make it easier for people to bicycle if they want to," Ellis said, according to Austin Monitor.
Ellis also raised concerns regarding the city's preparedness in emergencies as it came to light during Winter Storm Mara that multiple fire and EMS stations lacked heating capabilities. Subsequently, the Council member pushed for a resolution demanding an inventory of backup power generators resulting in the need for upgrades at numerous service sites. A notable $10 million was redirected from Austin Energy to address this necessity, as documented by the Austin Monitor.
Amidst the city's infrastructural debates, Ellis stood with fellow Council members in opposition to the expansion of Interstate 35, sensing a threat to local businesses and residences in East Austin. "We're trying to make sure that plan is backed through CAMPO so TxDOT can incorporate the best practices," Ellis remarked, pinpointing efforts to align the city's climate emission reduction plan with federal grant opportunities that could further urban connectivity and preservation.
Looking ahead, Ellis reaffirmed her dedication, stating, "I am still going to focus on mobility improvements and parks. Those are the two things that I love working on the most and my constituents ask for the most," as per the Austin Monitor.
