Texas faces a shortage of housing statewide, and in Central Texas the median housing price remains well over $400,000. While local land use reforms have begun to address this issue, as a Texas House Representative, what specific steps would you take to address housing affordability in your district?

Median income for a single person living in Austin is ~55k (this is also roughly the starting salary for a new teacher and a little less than what a new nurse makes). If that individual somehow scrapes together a 20% down payment with 30 year mortgage, follows the rule of spending no more than 30% income on his/her housing – that adds up to a home price of roughly ~270k. You can’t purchase a home for 270k in HD49. We need to set communities up for diversified housing models.

We need options for lower income/worker wage housing – duplexes, triplexes, multifamily units intermixed with traditional single family homes. Housing diversity! Minimum lot sizes and parking mandates need to be revised to make it easier to build. Adaptive re-use is a win/win for cities and citizens. The state should also allow homes to flex their energy use for cost savings (big business gets this treatment – why can’t working folks get the same?). The state can also provide rebates/tax incentives for efficient heating/cooling systems to make homeownership less costly as well. We need housing policy that does the most good for the most people.

In the 89th Texas Legislative session, two key housing reforms, SB840 and HB 24 were passed and supported by many of the Central Texas state representatives. Would you have voted for these bills and what, if any, improvements or changes do you think should be considered for the 90th Legislative session?

I would have enthusiastically voted for both, keeping that single teacher or nurse in mind. In the next session we need keep watch so that SB840 and HB24 aren’t walked back or undermined.

My limited experience with housing policy is with vulnerable populations and very low income folks who are at high risk for eviction and unfortunately sometimes unsheltered/unhoused. We need to revive a plan to create a state housing trust. Similar plans in other states (ahem – 45 other states) show that state housing trusts work. This would allow for increased investment in worker wage housing and long term supportive housing. Policies that protect the most vulnerable also protect the whole.

The Texas legislature and legislatures across the country have had growing success in reducing housing costs for residents by passing laws to allow more housing. In some cases, there is a tension between these pro-housing bills and the idea of granting local municipalities full control over their housing markets. When bills pit the principle of local control against the need for more housing, how do you evaluate this conflict?

Evaluate this conflict by thinking about that single teacher or that single nurse. What’s going to do the most good for the most people while protecting vulnerable groups? If “local control” is code for soft segregation between haves and have nots, well then I’ll side on the need for more housing.

Mandating parking requirements for new commercial and residential projects adds costs and space burdens without necessarily benefiting local communities. Given Austin’s leadership in removing parking minimums, would you actively support parking reform and work towards a similar statewide repeal of parking mandates?

I would support parking reform because (a) I am pro-walkability and pro-public transportation and (b) we need to think about how we are using our natural resources here. Are endless fields of sprawling parking lots going help us with water conservation? Flood mitigation? Urban heat islands? Texas, in general, has an extremely long way to go here.

TxDOT recently released the first ever Active Transportation plan and noted that population growth in Texas requires the agency to look beyond road building to address transportation needs across the state. What steps would you take to ensure additional funding was made available to expand transit like Project Connect, and other bike, sidewalk and other transportation options for Central Texas?

We can’t solely focus on highways. Funding needs to be directed towards accessibility, pedestrian safety, and public transportation to decrease car dependency. If we can simply concentrate transit with density – folks would have shorter commutes, highways would see less wear and tear – thereby requiring less funding for upkeep. If done right, dense housing allows for more diversity, more energy and water efficiency (an entirely different platform agenda item – but one certainly worth discussing!). It’s a win-win situation when we connect the dots of transportation, housing equity, efficient use of water and energy resources.

Please share any additional information regarding your candidacy for TX HD-49 that might be of interest to our membership. 

While not mentioned above – healthcare plays into all of this as well.  If you have access to healthcare you’re more likely to be healthy.  If you’re healthy you’re more likely to be able to work. If public transport is safe/reliable – it’s easier to get to work (or to a doctor’s appointment!). If you’re working, then it’s way easier to pay rent/mortgage.  Healthcare – housing/transportation – education – these are all very interconnected things to which state government should make sure everyone has access.

Texas faces a shortage of housing statewide, and in Central Texas the median housing price remains well over $400,000. While local land use reforms have begun to address this issue, as a Texas House Representative, what specific steps would you take to address housing affordability in your district?

As State Representative, I would focus on increasing the supply of homes people can actually afford, protecting renters, and creating realistic pathways to homeownership. This issue is personal to me. My husband and I were only able to afford our home because of Obama-era tax credits, and as a former teacher who worked multiple jobs to make ends meet and a labor organizer, I know firsthand that hard-working Texans are being priced out.

While we have seen some increase in supply in Central Texas, there is still more to be done at the state and local level. I believe that streamlined approvals and increased access to capital funding is key. We must increase affordable housing, incentivize “missing middle” construction, and reduce displacement and gentrification. I also support creating pathways to homeownership through creating state-level downpayment assistance, low-interest loan programs, and tax credits. It’s not enough to just increase supply, however, we must also ensure that housing is safe. We should strengthen eviction protections for renters, hold landlords accountable for ignoring repairs or health and safety standards, and require every rental unit to have a functioning HVAC system.

In the 89th Texas Legislative session, two key housing reforms, SB840 and HB 24 were passed and supported by many of the Central Texas state representatives. Would you have voted for these bills and what, if any, improvements or changes do you think should be considered for the 90th Legislative session?

I would have supported both of these reforms. H.B. 24 addresses a key problem where small, but vocal groups have been able to block needed housing supply. Under new law, a higher threshold would be needed to trigger a supermajority with respect to certain zoning changes. I believe that by raising the threshold but keeping the mechanism in place, balance is better restored.

S.B. 840 makes it easier to build housing in certain commercial zones and makes it easier to convert commercial buildings to residential. While I can understand some of the concerns expressed around infrastructure, affordable housing requirements, and fee-based programs that derive from this bill, I believe in totality it will pay off by speeding up development and increasing supply. Two improvements could be providing state resources to assist with mitigating impacts to infrastructure or defraying costs of upgrades, and then setting clear affordability standards and outcomes to ensure that these projects prioritize equitable housing.

The Texas legislature and legislatures across the country have had growing success in reducing housing costs for residents by passing laws to allow more housing. In some cases, there is a tension between these pro-housing bills and the idea of granting local municipalities full control over their housing markets. When bills pit the principle of local control against the need for more housing, how do you evaluate this conflict?

While I support local control, believe community input is imperative, and will defend Austin and our values at the Capitol from right-wing attacks, I believe we also have a duty to address core issues at every level of government. The biggest concerns I am hearing from constituents when knocking on doors center around affordability, rising costs, and housing. Simply put, we cannot allow local control to be used to maintain exclusion or block needed reforms so that working people can afford to live in the communities they serve. We need to pair pro-housing bills with strong tenant protections, anti-displacement measures, and pathways to homeownership. In doing so, we can ensure that everyone has access to a safe, affordable place to live.

Mandating parking requirements for new commercial and residential projects adds costs and space burdens without necessarily benefiting local communities. Given Austin’s leadership in removing parking minimums, would you actively support parking reform and work towards a similar statewide repeal of parking mandates?

Yes. I would support policies that eliminate outdated parking requirements while allowing cities to manage curb space, accessibility, and safety. This would decrease costs, support transit and walkability, and provide for more flexibility in land use.

TxDOT recently released the first ever Active Transportation plan and noted that population growth in Texas requires the agency to look beyond road building to address transportation needs across the state. What steps would you take to ensure additional funding was made available to expand transit like Project Connect, and other bike, sidewalk and other transportation options for Central Texas?

We must move beyond a road-only approach and invest in public transit, including regional and high speed rail, and expand multimodal infrastructure such as sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and safe routes to schools. To be clear-eyed, with laws and policies such as a prohibition on the use of state funds for high speed rail, and funding mechanisms that prioritize roads exclusively, it will not be easy to do. However, TxDOT’s acknowledgement is encouraging and should be leveraged to push for better policy and budget decisions.

As an organizer, I believe in building coalitions across local governments, advocacy groups, and community members to make the case for equitable, sustainable transportation. We need to identify and secure funding streams, expand the state’s role in multimodal projects, and increase transit options. By doing so, we can ensure that Central Texans have safe, affordable, and accessible ways to get around; reduce traffic and increase safety; and create more connected, resilient communities.

Please share any additional information regarding your candidacy for TX HD-49 that might be of interest to our membership. 

I came to this country with my mother and sister, undocumented and not speaking a word of English. My mother worked three jobs and always taught us that education is the one thing no one can take away from you. Public education changed my life, and one of my teachers, Mrs. Hernandez, is why I decided to become a bilingual pre-K teacher. I graduated from Anderson High School, did my basics at ACC, and obtained both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas. I became a National Board Certified teacher and taught for 8 years in Austin ISD. Later, I rose to lead as Vice President of Education Austin and became the first Latina elected as Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO. For the past four years I had the honor of serving in the Biden-Harris administration where I oversaw programs that expanded opportunity for over 5 million English learners and obtained student loan forgiveness for over 1 million public servants.   I’ve spent 25 years fighting for students, teachers, immigrants, and working class Texans at the local, state, and national level – and that is what I will continue to do if elected to serve the people of HD 49. You can count on me to be a champion for affordability, housing, and transit. Not only am I willing to advocate inside the Capitol, I am willing to organize in the community in support of our shared priorities.  I’m honored to be endorsed by many of Austin’s leaders, including Cong. Greg Casar; Rep, John Bucy; Council Members Chito Vela, Mike Siegel, and Jose Velasquez; and the majority of the Austin ISD school board. I have also recently won the support of Education Austin, Texas AFT, Texas Building Trades Council, Unite Here Local 23, and Equity Action. I respectfully ask for your consideration and your vote.

Texas faces a shortage of housing statewide, and in Central Texas the median housing price remains well over $400,000. While local land use reforms have begun to address this issue, as a Texas House Representative, what specific steps would you take to address housing affordability in your district?

Housing is one of the most critical issues facing Austinites. As a representative, I will take several steps to ensure housing is a right, not a privilege, for Texans. These steps generally fall into two categories: expanding existing housing and preventing displacement. I believe that it is the responsibility of the State to massively invest in affordable housing. Using the social housing model, we can create communities that are permanently affordable and act in the best interests of tenants, not landlords.

Similarly, I will fight for the passage of a tenant bill of rights, including the right to fair leases, the right to timely and complete repairs, protections from retaliation for tenant organizing, and consequences for landlords that violate the law and the rights of tenants. Beyond just new housing, we need to stop the pattern of developers and corporate landlords getting to do whatever they want to their tenants. I will fight for the right to council in evictions, so that no tenant has to face slumlords by themselves, and end the predatory practices that have, for too long, only served to displace families.

In the 89th Texas Legislative session, two key housing reforms, SB840 and HB 24 were passed and supported by many of the Central Texas state representatives. Would you have voted for these bills and what, if any, improvements or changes do you think should be considered for the 90th Legislative session?

I would have voted for both SB 840 and HB 24. Both bills take important steps toward addressing our housing shortage by reducing the ability of a small minority to block much-needed housing and by allowing more residential and mixed-use development to move forward by right, particularly on underutilized commercial land.

In the 90th Legislative Session, I hope that we continue to build on these gains that have already been made in empowering the majority of community members. I look forward to expanding the ability of landholders to construct secondary housing units on their property, in particular addressing the limitations the state has placed on the construction of these types of units. They are a lower cost way to increase density, create intergenerational housing options and can stabilize housing costs in growing communities.

The Texas legislature and legislatures across the country have had growing success in reducing housing costs for residents by passing laws to allow more housing. In some cases, there is a tension between these pro-housing bills and the idea of granting local municipalities full control over their housing markets. When bills pit the principle of local control against the need for more housing, how do you evaluate this conflict?

I believe in local control because Texas’ geographical differences across the state create different needs. We are not a one-size fits all type of state, and decision-making at the state level requires an acute understanding of how those decisions will impact communities locally. When evaluating state action, I consider whether it meaningfully supports local communities’ ability to meet their housing needs without unnecessarily overriding local planning authority.

For state-level bills like SB 840 and HB 24, I evaluate with local orgs on whether the piece of legislation will substantially increase or decrease local control. In the case of SB 840, permitting mixed-use residential and multi-family residential units in areas zoned for offices, mixed use, etc., does not significantly decrease local control over the zoning process, as it expands allowable uses without eliminating local discretion over broader planning and development standards. HB 24 would not substantially increase local control, but it did make it harder for a small number of opponents to prevent housing development, which can be viewed as increasing local control in response to growing housing needs.

Mandating parking requirements for new commercial and residential projects adds costs and space burdens without necessarily benefiting local communities. Given Austin’s leadership in removing parking minimums, would you actively support parking reform and work towards a similar statewide repeal of parking mandates?

Yes, I would. Austin has proven that eliminating parking mandates is about prioritizing people over cars and profits over developers’ convenience. We’ve literally been forcing people to pay for parking spaces whether they need them or not, while developers just pass the costs straight through to renters and buyers. A statewide repeal would be an important step toward housing justice. This is about stopping a policy that props up car dependency and makes housing more expensive for working people.

Right now, the state basically requires us to prioritize car storage over actual homes, which is wild when you think about it. Local communities should be able to decide what they actually need. If you’re near good transit, why should you be forced to build a bunch of parking that just drives up rent? Let neighborhoods figure out what works for them based on real conditions like transit access, walkability, what people can actually afford, instead of following outdated rules that assume everyone owns a car. This is really about priorities. Do we want to keep designing our cities around cars and letting housing costs spiral, or do we want to make it possible to build communities that work for working people? The choice seems pretty clear to me.

TxDOT recently released the first ever Active Transportation plan and noted that population growth in Texas requires the agency to look beyond road building to address transportation needs across the state. What steps would you take to ensure additional funding was made available to expand transit like Project Connect, and other bike, sidewalk and other transportation options for Central Texas?

In a state as big as Texas, we need to ensure that all of our communities do not have to be dependent on expensive cars as their only mode of transportation. Real freedom is being able to get to work, school, healthcare appointments, and visit family without financial punishment, or hours lost to congestion.

I am fighting for public transit, intercity rails, and environmental justice that connects major Texas cities, creates jobs, lowers transit costs, and gives every Texan the freedom to explore the diversity of our state. I will work closely with the appropriations subcommittee and ensure they are very clearly aware of the riders we are submitting. I then would work strategically with local shareholders on how to work that rider into the budget.

I have personally been frustrated with the lack of action that TxDOT has taken to address the clear need for more public transit. In their budget request for the 90th session, 89% of requested funding was for the construction and maintenance of roads, and only 2% was for public transit, maritime, aviation, and rail combined. We could triple our investment in public transit with only a marginal decrease in the funds we put towards highways. That extra money would make a massive difference in the lives of Texans. As a representative, I would fight to reallocate funding from roadways to public transit and rail in the budget for the 2026-2027 biennium.

Please share any additional information regarding your candidacy for TX HD-49 that might be of interest to our membership. 

I am running because I’m tired of watching Democrats fold. During my three years working as a House Democratic staffer, I watched Texas become more hostile to working people while Democrats did too little to stop it. Even when Democrats had leverage, they failed to use it, and Texans paid the price. This past legislative session made that painfully clear. During the election of the Speaker of the House, Democrats had a real opportunity to assert their power. Instead, they caved, accepted a narrow deal for themselves, and helped elect one of the most far right Speakers in Texas history. If Democrats had stood their ground, we could have delivered fully funded public schools and real results for working Texans. As a proud union member who has been in the legislative trenches fighting for working people, I couldn’t stand by and watch it continue. I’m running to bring the fight back to the Texas House, and to finally deliver the affordability and protections that House District 49 deserves. Some of my top priorities are healthcare and higher wages. As a renter, a former service industry worker, and an underpaid staffer, I am living in the same affordability crisis that so many of our peers and neighbors face in Austin.  Housing is a human right. Austin has a long history of racist housing practices, including redlining and predatory lending, and young people have been left behind because of it. I am committed to expanding affordable housing, preventing displacement, and protecting young people from discriminatory lending and appraisals as they work to build generational wealth. For renters, we need stronger tenant protections and policies that ensure property tax relief actually reaches them. Every person in House District 49 deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to live. No one should be living paycheck to paycheck in the eighth largest economy in the world. Our minimum wage has been stuck at the same rate since 2009. It is time to shift power back to workers and raise the wage floor to at least double the current minimum. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive, especially young people who are entering the workforce and driving our economy forward. I will also be fighting relentlessly against any attack on human rights for any community. Rather than operating on a “volunteer model” I think we should be fighting the fight with every community, for every community!

Texas faces a shortage of housing statewide, and in Central Texas the median housing price remains well over $400,000. While local land use reforms have begun to address this issue, as a Texas House Representative, what specific steps would you take to address housing affordability in your district?

We cannot subsidize our way out of a 200,000-unit shortage; we must build our way out. To meaningfully address housing affordability, I will champion market-based solutions that increase total housing supply, eliminate unnecessary regulatory costs, and provide significantly more choice to buyers. The successful passage of SB 840 demonstrated that the most effective way to create volume and affordability is through the “by-right” nature of zoning. In the House, I will fight to expand by-right zoning for specific high-efficiency formats to ensure that more housing becomes available at affordable rates across our district.

My specific approach focuses on increasing 2-2 and 3-2 housing units as well as row housing, because these types have inherent cost-saving benefits. 2- and 3-bedroom units utilize simple design layouts that lower material and labor costs during development and have compact plumbing and electrical systems. They function as quality, affordable alternatives for families who are currently priced out of traditional single-family homes, even with rates dropping. Row housing is a format I love because it allows for exceptionally efficient land use through its design and the use of shared walls, which lower the price of construction and are a proven method for maintaining long-term affordability in urban environments. By legalizing these “missing middle” options, we can significantly reduce the political and administrative hurdles that currently inflate the cost of living for every Austinite.

In the 89th Texas Legislative session, two key housing reforms, SB840 and HB 24 were passed and supported by many of the Central Texas state representatives. Would you have voted for these bills and what, if any, improvements or changes do you think should be considered for the 90th Legislative session?

I would have voted Yes on both. These bills represent a historic shift toward property rights and data-driven land use. However, for the 90th Session, we must refine them to ensure “Supply” translates into “Affordability”. While SB 840 is a game-changer for reclaiming underutilized office and retail space, the removal of Floor Area Ratio (FAR) requirements unintentionally weakened local Density Bonus programs, per my understanding. I would love to hear more from experts on this issue, but I would aim to advocate for affordability-linked density, where the state provides a baseline but allows cities to offer additional height or FAR in exchange for income-restricted units.

HB 24 successfully ended the “Tyrant’s Veto,” where a 20% minority could block progress. To mitigate concerns about silencing neighborhoods, I support adding transparency mandates that require cities to proactively engage a broader, more representative cross-section of residents during the planning process rather than just the immediate property owners. While I understand that this still might not yield the best balance of opinion, it would be a step in the right direction.

The Texas legislature and legislatures across the country have had growing success in reducing housing costs for residents by passing laws to allow more housing. In some cases, there is a tension between these pro-housing bills and the idea of granting local municipalities full control over their housing markets. When bills pit the principle of local control against the need for more housing, how do you evaluate this conflict?

I view this conflict not so much as removing local control, but as restructuring it to serve the majority. For too long, local control has been a euphemism for exclusionary zoning that protects the interests of the few at the expense of the many. My evaluation framework is simple: Does the local regulation protect public health and safety, or does it merely protect the status quo?

I believe in “Statewide Floors, Local Ceilings.” The state should mandate the right to build (by-right zoning), while allowing local governments to maintain control over design, landscaping, and aesthetic specifications to ensure new developments fit the fabric of their communities without killing the project’s feasibility. That’s the middle-ground that I think is fair and equitable.

Mandating parking requirements for new commercial and residential projects adds costs and space burdens without necessarily benefiting local communities. Given Austin’s leadership in removing parking minimums, would you actively support parking reform and work towards a similar statewide repeal of parking mandates?

Unapologetically, yes. Parking mandates function as a hidden tax on renters, and the data is clear: when we stop building for cars, we start building for people. Austin’s leadership in eliminating parking minimums has already shown results. Recent gains, including a nearly 10% drop in rent as of early 2025, affirm that when we allow the market—not arbitrary mandates—to determine our parking needs, we produce more homes where they are needed most, at prices people can actually afford. In the House, I will champion a statewide repeal of parking minimums within transit corridors. This isn’t just a transportation policy; it is a housing policy that returns choice to the consumer, lowers construction costs, and prioritizes neighbors over asphalt.

TxDOT recently released the first ever Active Transportation plan and noted that population growth in Texas requires the agency to look beyond road building to address transportation needs across the state. What steps would you take to ensure additional funding was made available to expand transit like Project Connect, and other bike, sidewalk and other transportation options for Central Texas?

As a long-time bicycle commuter and former member of the Austin Bicycle Advisory Commission, I view urban transit as a regional necessity, not a local luxury. I served on that commission because we must make multi-modal transportation more available, less intimidating, and less threatening for all Austinites. To expand these options, I will focus on three key legislative pillars:

1. I will fight to modernize the State Highway Fund to allow for “Active Transportation” and transit capital projects. I will use TTI congestion data—which shows that while delays are dipping, truck congestion has climbed—to make the business case to my colleagues that we cannot solve Texas’s economic bottlenecks without high-capacity transit.
2. I will partner with expertise-rich groups like Transit Forward and AURA to build a statewide “Urban Caucus.” We must treat Project Connect and similar rail expansions as essential infrastructure for the 8th-largest economy in the world, rather than local pet projects.
3. I am a strong advocate for Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD). We should maximize our Project Connect investment by ensuring the land within a half-mile of light rail allows for the height, density, and deeply affordable units required to make the system viable.

However, my major concern is that if we do not cultivate a public transit culture and build a transportation system that is actually popular, our efforts will fall short and will not have lasting impact. We need leaders who advocate proudly and publicly for these resources; no amount of money will make a difference if our trains are empty and our bike lanes are barren. By focusing on smaller, more efficient shuttles to solve the “last mile” problem, we can make car-lite living a reality for every Austinite—not just a luxury for the few who can afford it.

Please share any additional information regarding your candidacy for TX HD-49 that might be of interest to our membership. 

I am a staunch supporter of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). I was disappointed to see SB 673 stall in the House during the 89th Session and would love to make its passage a priority in the 90th. ADUs are the ultimate “gentle density” in my view. While I acknowledge concerns regarding “one-size-fits-all” mandates, I believe that property rights should include the right to house a family member or a tenant on your own land. I am committed to working with the Texas Municipal League to address safety concerns while ensuring that local governments can no longer trample on the individual rights of homeowners to contribute to our housing solution.

Texas faces a shortage of housing statewide, and in Central Texas the median housing price remains well over $400,000. While local land use reforms have begun to address this issue, as a Texas House Representative, what specific steps would you take to address housing affordability in your district?

Housing costs are squeezing families in HD-49 because we’ve made it too hard – and too expensive – to build homes people can actually afford. As a State Representative, I would focus on practical reforms that unlock more housing at every price point, especially for working families and first-time buyers. That means legalizing more small-scale housing by-right – ADUs, duplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes – so people can live near their jobs and schools instead of being pushed farther out. It means reducing minimum lot sizes so builders can produce smaller, more affordable homes. And it means cutting the red tape and delays that drive up costs before a family ever gets the keys.

I’d also expand access to modular and manufactured housing and strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit so we’re not just building more housing, but more affordable housing – especially for seniors, teachers, service workers, and families who make Austin run. I know that after the successful passing of several pro-housing bills, the next legislative session needs to be bold and unapologetic in our pro-housing agenda – and I am committed to using my 16 years of experience in the legislature, including helping pass SB15, to do just that.

In the 89th Texas Legislative session, two key housing reforms, SB840 and HB 24 were passed and supported by many of the Central Texas state representatives. Would you have voted for these bills and what, if any, improvements or changes do you think should be considered for the 90th Legislative session?

Yes – I would have voted for SB 840 and HB 24 because Texas needs housing reforms that increase supply and reduce barriers to building, and that direction aligns with my platform: smaller lots, more home types by-right, faster/more predictable permitting, and lower-cost pathways like modular/manufactured housing. I also worked hard to help pass SB15 in the 89th legislative session to enable smaller lot sizes and starter homes to be built near transit and education hubs. Texas needs to build more housing, and those bills moved us in the right direction by lowering barriers that artificially restrict supply.

But in the 90th session, we need to go further. I would push for stronger by-right standards, clear timelines for approvals, and real accountability when local processes drag on for months or years. I’m also interested in expanding adaptive reuse – making it easier to convert underused offices and commercial buildings into housing without piling on new parking or design mandates that make projects infeasible. And we must pair supply reforms with stronger investments in deeply affordable housing so these changes benefit the people most at risk of being priced out.

The Texas legislature and legislatures across the country have had growing success in reducing housing costs for residents by passing laws to allow more housing. In some cases, there is a tension between these pro-housing bills and the idea of granting local municipalities full control over their housing markets. When bills pit the principle of local control against the need for more housing, how do you evaluate this conflict?

I take local control seriously – but I don’t think it should be used as a shield for exclusion. When local rules make it effectively illegal to build homes for teachers, service workers, or young families, that’s not protecting community character – it’s pushing people out. My approach is simple: the state should set a fair baseline that allows common-sense housing everywhere – duplexes, small apartments, ADUs – while still giving cities flexibility to design, infrastructure, and planning. Local governments should be partners in solving the housing crisis, but they shouldn’t be able to opt out of it. I see housing as a fundamental right and if local governments are erecting unnecessary or discriminatory barriers for young people, seniors, and working families, I will file legislation to tear down those barriers.

Mandating parking requirements for new commercial and residential projects adds costs and space burdens without necessarily benefiting local communities. Given Austin’s leadership in removing parking minimums, would you actively support parking reform and work towards a similar statewide repeal of parking mandates?

Parking mandates are one of the most inefficient and expensive ways we inflate the cost of housing. They force builders to spend money on empty concrete instead of homes, and they make walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods harder to build. Austin has shown that eliminating parking minimums can work, and I would actively support similar reforms statewide – especially near transit, campuses, and job centers. People should have the freedom to choose how they get around, and our housing policy shouldn’t lock everyone into car dependence by default.

TxDOT recently released the first ever Active Transportation plan and noted that population growth in Texas requires the agency to look beyond road building to address transportation needs across the state. What steps would you take to ensure additional funding was made available to expand transit like Project Connect, and other bike, sidewalk and other transportation options for Central Texas?

For most of my life I’ve lived in Austin, starting at St. Edwards university, then UT Law, and now raising my son in the heart of HD49. Over that time I’ve seen Austin grow fast, and I know that we can’t solve 21st-century transportation challenges with 20th-century solutions. I support TxDOT’s recognition that we need to invest beyond road-building, and I’ll be a strong advocate for transit and active transportation in Central Texas.

That means protecting and expanding funding for Project Connect, ensuring state policy supports transit-oriented development, and making it easier to build housing near high-capacity transit so we reduce traffic by design – not just by widening roads. I’ll also fight for safe sidewalks, bike infrastructure, and last-mile connections so people can actually get to transit, schools, and jobs without risking their lives. Transportation is about freedom – freedom to get where you need to go safely and affordably – and our investments should reflect that.

Please share any additional information regarding your candidacy for TX HD-49 that might be of interest to our membership.

We are the only campaign with a Come and Build It plan to affirmatively and proactively pass urbanist policies in the Texas Legislature, see it here: Come and Build It Plan

Texas faces a shortage of housing statewide, and in Central Texas the median housing price remains well over $400,000. While local land use reforms have begun to address this issue, as a Texas House Representative, what specific steps would you take to address housing affordability in your district?

• Legalize more “missing middle” housing (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, cottage courts) in high-opportunity areas especially near jobs, schools, and transit so we’re not stuck with only “single-family” or “high-rise.”
• Speed up permitting and approvals by pushing for clear statewide “shot clocks,” more by-right approvals when projects meet objective rules, and fewer duplicative hearings that add time and cost.
• Make it easier to build ADUs and small-lot homes so families can add gentle density without changing the character of a block overnight.
• Cut cost drivers that don’t improve safety like excessive parking mandates and overly discretionary site rules, while keeping strong building and fire codes.
• Pair pro-housing reform with anti-displacement tools, like targeted property tax relief for longtime homeowners, eviction diversion/right-to-counsel pilots, and more resources for deeply affordable units (LIHTC, supportive housing, and local partnerships).

In the 89th Texas Legislative session, two key housing reforms, SB840 and HB 24 were passed and supported by many of the Central Texas state representatives. Would you have voted for these bills and what, if any, improvements or changes do you think should be considered for the 90th Legislative session?

Yes I would have voted for SB 840 and HB 24, because they both move Texas toward a more functional housing market by reducing barriers that keep homes from getting built.

The Texas legislature and legislatures across the country have had growing success in reducing housing costs for residents by passing laws to allow more housing. In some cases, there is a tension between these pro-housing bills and the idea of granting local municipalities full control over their housing markets. When bills pit the principle of local control against the need for more housing, how do you evaluate this conflict?

Local control matters but it can’t be a blank check for policies that effectively export costs to everyone else. Housing affordability is a regional and statewide issue. When one city restricts housing, demand (and prices) spill over to neighboring communities, lengthen commutes, and worsen traffic and emissions.

Cities should be free to do more for affordability, design, and planning but they shouldn’t be allowed to use exclusionary rules to block needed housing altogether. I prioritize clear, objective rules over discretionary veto points. If a project meets adopted standards, it should move forward predictably. That’s how you get enough housing built to stabilize costs.

Mandating parking requirements for new commercial and residential projects adds costs and space burdens without necessarily benefiting local communities. Given Austin’s leadership in removing parking minimums, would you actively support parking reform and work towards a similar statewide repeal of parking mandates?

Yes I support parking reform and would work toward a statewide rollback of parking minimums, especially in areas served by transit and in walkable commercial corridors. Mandatory parking raises construction costs, wastes land that could be housing, and kills smaller infill projects that are often the most naturally affordable. Austin has shown leadership here, and Texas should follow by letting builders (and the market) decide how much parking is needed while still meeting ADA accessibility requirements and allowing cities to manage on-street parking with permits, meters, and curb policy.

TxDOT recently released the first ever Active Transportation plan and noted that population growth in Texas requires the agency to look beyond road building to address transportation needs across the state. What steps would you take to ensure additional funding was made available to expand transit like Project Connect, and other bike, sidewalk and other transportation options for Central Texas?

If we want Austin to stay livable, we need transportation options that match our growth which includes transit, sidewalks, and safe bike networks alongside roads. TxDOT’s Active Transportation planning is a start, but we need funding and project delivery to match the talk. As your next State Representative, I would:

• Create or expand state matching funds for major transit investments (including Project Connect) so local voters aren’t carrying the burden alone.
• Increase flexibility for local revenue tools (sales tax, bonding authority, value capture near stations) to build transit and supportive infrastructure faster.
• Push TxDOT and MPO scoring to reward safety and mode choice, not just lane miles so sidewalk gaps, protected bike lanes, and safer crossings actually compete for funding.
• Tie transportation investment to pro-housing, pro-transit land use, so we build ridership where we’re building rail/BRT and get more value out of every public dollar.
• Prioritize “complete streets” on state corridors in cities, because many of the most dangerous roads for pedestrians and cyclists are TxDOT-controlled.

Please share any additional information regarding your candidacy for TX HD-49 that might be of interest to our membership. 

I am running a proud YIMBY campaign and don’t shy away from density, urbanism, and a pro-affordability agenda.

Texas faces a shortage of housing statewide, and in Central Texas the median housing price remains well over $400,000. While local land use reforms have begun to address this issue, as a Texas House Representative, what specific steps would you take to address housing affordability in your district?

Texas needs to treat housing affordability as a statewide priority, not just a local issue. As a Texas House Representative, I would support state level reforms that allow more housing types, including missing middle housing and mixed use development, especially near transit and job centers. I would oppose state preemption that limits local governments’ ability to address housing shortages and support incentives for affordable and workforce housing. I also believe housing policy must be coordinated with transportation planning so people can live closer to where they work, reducing costs, congestion, and long commutes. Central Texas cannot remain affordable without increasing supply in thoughtful, inclusive ways.

In the 89th Texas Legislative session, two key housing reforms, SB840 and HB 24 were passed and supported by many of the Central Texas state representatives. Would you have voted for these bills and what, if any, improvements or changes do you think should be considered for the 90th Legislative session?

Yes, I would have supported SB 840 and HB 24 because Texas needs to expand housing supply and give communities more tools to address affordability. For the 90th Legislative Session, I would look to strengthen these reforms by ensuring they are paired with infrastructure investments, tenant protections, and incentives for affordable and workforce housing. I would also support refinements that give local governments flexibility to implement these policies in ways that reflect neighborhood needs while preventing state level barriers that limit housing solutions.

The Texas legislature and legislatures across the country have had growing success in reducing housing costs for residents by passing laws to allow more housing. In some cases, there is a tension between these pro-housing bills and the idea of granting local municipalities full control over their housing markets. When bills pit the principle of local control against the need for more housing, how do you evaluate this conflict?

I believe both local control and the need for more housing are important, and the goal should be to balance the two rather than treat them as opposites. Local governments understand their communities best and should have flexibility to shape development. However, when housing shortages reach a crisis level and drive people out of their communities, the state has a role in setting reasonable standards that allow more housing to be built. I evaluate these conflicts by asking whether a policy expands opportunity, improves affordability, and still allows cities to implement solutions in ways that reflect local needs. The focus should be on empowering communities to add housing, not giving any level of government a veto that worsens the shortage.

Mandating parking requirements for new commercial and residential projects adds costs and space burdens without necessarily benefiting local communities. Given Austin’s leadership in removing parking minimums, would you actively support parking reform and work towards a similar statewide repeal of parking mandates?

Yes, I support parking reform and would work toward reducing or repealing statewide parking mandates when it helps increase affordable housing. Eliminating unnecessary parking requirements can lower construction costs and allow more homes to be built. At the same time, parking reform must be paired with investments in public transportation so residents can reliably get to work, school, and essential services. Affordable housing only works if people have safe, practical ways to reach jobs and opportunities.

TxDOT recently released the first ever Active Transportation plan and noted that population growth in Texas requires the agency to look beyond road building to address transportation needs across the state. What steps would you take to ensure additional funding was made available to expand transit like Project Connect, and other bike, sidewalk and other transportation options for Central Texas?

Texas needs to recognize that road building alone will not meet the transportation needs of a rapidly growing state. I would support dedicated funding streams for public transit and active transportation, including bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and work to ensure state transportation dollars can be used flexibly to support projects like Project Connect. I also believe transit investments should be coordinated with housing and land use planning so people can live closer to jobs and services, reducing congestion and improving quality of life.

Please share any additional information regarding your candidacy for TX HD-50 that might be of interest to our membership. 

I am running as a working Texan who understands how rising housing costs, long commutes, and healthcare expenses affect daily life. My campaign is focused on practical solutions that improve affordability, mobility, and quality of life in Central Texas. I believe housing, transportation, healthcare, and education are deeply connected, and I am committed to collaborative, data driven policymaking that puts people over special interests and helps our region grow in a more inclusive and sustainable way.

Texas faces a shortage of housing statewide, and in Central Texas the median housing price remains well over $400,000. While local land use reforms have begun to address this issue, as a Texas House Representative, what specific steps would you take to address housing affordability in your district?

I would review the current homeowner insurance policies that Texans have, as we pay some of the highest rates in the US. I would encourage or pass legislation that would require insurance carriers to provide justification for such hi premiums or to reduce costs based on average rates among other states.

In the 89th Texas Legislative session, two key housing reforms, SB840 and HB 24 were passed and supported by many of the Central Texas state representatives. Would you have voted for these bills and what, if any, improvements or changes do you think should be considered for the 90th Legislative session?

I would have voted in favor of both of these bills. I feel it is important for the state in particular to remove barriers for municipalities to allow for growth as seen with HB 24. I would though remove the section regarding mandatory 1 parking spot per unit in SB840 as this can place undue burden on municipalities with limited space.

The Texas legislature and legislatures across the country have had growing success in reducing housing costs for residents by passing laws to allow more housing. In some cases, there is a tension between these pro-housing bills and the idea of granting local municipalities full control over their housing markets. When bills pit the principle of local control against the need for more housing, how do you evaluate this conflict?

I stand by local municipalities right for control of housing and would advocate for entities like the city council to be pro-housing rather than push to pass laws that local municipalities do not favor. Elected officials should have the best interest of the people while working, and this should be reflected if a current city is having housing shortages.

Mandating parking requirements for new commercial and residential projects adds costs and space burdens without necessarily benefiting local communities. Given Austin’s leadership in removing parking minimums, would you actively support parking reform and work towards a similar statewide repeal of parking mandates?

Mandates which push builders to take more space for parking place undue burden on cities with limited space. I would support reform amongst growing cities which find themselves with limited space to remove obstacles like mandating parking spots.

TxDOT recently released the first ever Active Transportation plan and noted that population growth in Texas requires the agency to look beyond road building to address transportation needs across the state. What steps would you take to ensure additional funding was made available to expand transit like Project Connect, and other bike, sidewalk and other transportation options for Central Texas?

Texas is one of the fastest growing states, thus we need to be proactive in how we handle our transportation issues. The legislature should encourage regional partnerships so communities can work together, reduce barriers that limit investment to multimodal transportation, and leverage federal grants to ensure continued funding for existing projects.

I would like consideration for building of schools to also include plans for walking/bike paths in the surrounding neighborhoods to increase safe access for kids and parents.

Please share any additional information regarding your candidacy for TX HD-50 that might be of interest to our membership. 

I would like consideration for building of schools to also include plans for walking/bike paths in the surrounding neighborhoods to increase safe access for kids and parents.

Texas faces a shortage of housing statewide, and in Central Texas the median housing price remains well over $400,000. While local land use reforms have begun to address this issue, as a Texas House Representative, what specific steps would you take to address housing affordability in your district?

Housing affordability is one of the most urgent challenges facing Central Texas, and the Legislature has a direct role to play in addressing it. In HD 50, I’ve spent years working at the neighborhood level on issues tied to growth, displacement, and access to stable housing, and that experience shapes how I approach this problem.

At the state level, I would support reforms that expand the supply of homes near jobs, transit, and services by allowing more diverse housing types — including missing‑middle options — in areas where they make sense. I believe the state can help cities modernize outdated land‑use frameworks by removing barriers that prevent communities from building the kinds of housing they actually need. I also support strengthening tenant protections, improving the tools local governments have to preserve existing affordable units, and expanding programs that help seniors and long‑time residents stay in their homes as costs rise. Transportation and land use are deeply connected, so I would also back investments that link housing to reliable transit, reduce transportation costs for working families, and support walkable, mixed‑use neighborhoods. These steps together can help create a more stable, affordable, and sustainable housing landscape for the people who live and work in HD 50.

In the 89th Texas Legislative session, two key housing reforms, SB840 and HB 24 were passed and supported by many of the Central Texas state representatives. Would you have voted for these bills and what, if any, improvements or changes do you think should be considered for the 90th Legislative session?

Both SB 840 and HB 24 were significant steps toward addressing the housing shortage in Central Texas, and I support the overall direction of reforms that expand housing options, reduce barriers to building, and help cities modernize outdated land‑use rules. Based on their goals and the broad support they received from Central Texas legislators, I would have supported these bills.

Looking ahead to the 90th Session, I think there is room to strengthen these reforms by ensuring they work effectively for both fast‑growing urban areas and long‑established neighborhoods. That includes clearer guidance for cities implementing new housing tools, stronger protections for tenants facing displacement, and more support for preserving existing affordable units. I also believe the Legislature should pair land‑use reform with investments in transit, infrastructure, and mixed‑use planning so that new housing is connected to jobs, services, and reliable transportation. These improvements would help ensure that statewide reforms translate into real affordability, stability, and opportunity for the people who live and work in HD 50.

The Texas legislature and legislatures across the country have had growing success in reducing housing costs for residents by passing laws to allow more housing. In some cases, there is a tension between these pro-housing bills and the idea of granting local municipalities full control over their housing markets. When bills pit the principle of local control against the need for more housing, how do you evaluate this conflict?

When questions of local control come into tension with the need for more housing, I think it’s important to start with the reality facing Central Texas: we are in a severe housing shortage, and the cost of doing nothing is borne by working families, seniors, and young people who are being priced out of their own communities. That means the Legislature has a responsibility to ensure that statewide housing needs are being met, even as we respect the role cities play in shaping their own land‑use decisions.

In evaluating these conflicts, I look at whether a policy meaningfully increases housing supply, supports affordability, and aligns with long‑term planning around transit, infrastructure, and sustainability. I also consider whether local governments have the tools and flexibility they need to implement reforms effectively, and whether residents — especially those most vulnerable to displacement — are protected in the process. In many cases, the best approach is a balance: statewide standards that open the door to more housing, paired with local implementation that reflects on‑the‑ground conditions. For me, the guiding principle is whether a policy helps create more homes that people can actually afford, in the places where they want and need to live. If a bill advances that goal while still giving cities a workable framework, that’s the direction I believe Texas should continue to move.

Mandating parking requirements for new commercial and residential projects adds costs and space burdens without necessarily benefiting local communities. Given Austin’s leadership in removing parking minimums, would you actively support parking reform and work towards a similar statewide repeal of parking mandates?

I support giving cities more flexibility around parking because mandatory parking minimums often drive up construction costs and limit the kinds of projects that can be built. Austin’s move to eliminate parking minimums showed that communities can benefit from letting builders and residents decide how much parking is actually needed rather than locking in one‑size‑fits‑all requirements.

At the state level, I would be open to reforms that reduce or remove parking mandates, especially where they clearly add cost without improving mobility or access. Any statewide approach should still allow cities to tailor solutions to their own conditions and ensure accessibility needs are protected. Thoughtful parking reform can free up land for housing, support walkable neighborhoods, and make better use of existing transportation networks.

TxDOT recently released the first ever Active Transportation plan and noted that population growth in Texas requires the agency to look beyond road building to address transportation needs across the state. What steps would you take to ensure additional funding was made available to expand transit like Project Connect, and other bike, sidewalk and other transportation options for Central Texas?

TxDOT’s Active Transportation Plan is an important acknowledgment that Texas can’t rely on road expansion alone to meet the needs of a fast‑growing state. To make real progress, the Legislature has to give cities and transit agencies the resources and flexibility to build out a full network of options — not just highways.

I would support efforts to dedicate more state funding to transit projects like Project Connect, as well as bike, sidewalk, and trail infrastructure that improves safety and access for people who walk, roll, and ride. That includes expanding the share of transportation dollars that can be used for multimodal projects, giving local governments clearer pathways to pursue voter‑approved transit investments, and ensuring TxDOT’s planning and funding formulas reflect the needs of urban regions experiencing rapid growth. I also believe the state should strengthen partnerships between TxDOT, local transit agencies, and cities so that land use, housing, and transportation planning are aligned. When these systems work together, we can reduce congestion, lower household transportation costs, and create safer, more connected neighborhoods across Central Texas.

Please share any additional information regarding your candidacy for TX HD-50 that might be of interest to our membership. 

My candidacy for HD 50 is rooted in more than 20 years of work in labor, community organizing, and neighborhood leadership. I’ve spent my career fighting for working families — from fair wages and safe job sites to immigrant rights and strong public schools — and that lived experience shapes how I approach land use, transportation, and affordability in Central Texas. I’m proud to serve as a neighborhood president in North Austin, where I’ve worked with AURA and other partners to advance meaningful local housing reforms. That includes supporting efforts to modernize land use rules, expand housing options, and ensure longtime residents can stay in the communities they helped build. I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful planning, community engagement, and coalition building can move policy forward. Transportation has been a major part of my public service as well. I serve on the Transit Forward board and have been deeply involved in the work to pass and protect Project Connect. Ensuring that Central Texas builds a reliable, multimodal transit system — one that connects people to jobs, schools, and services — is essential to our region’s long term affordability and sustainability. Our campaign reflects those values. We’ve built one of the strongest grassroots operations in the state: nearly 11,000 doors knocked, more than 400 yard signs placed, and a broad coalition of support that includes over 160 elected officials and community leaders, along with 19 organizational endorsements. We’re proud of the work we’ve done in these neighborhoods for more than a decade and of the team that’s helping carry that work forward. I’m running because HD 50 deserves a representative who understands how housing, transportation, and economic opportunity intersect — and who has spent years doing the work on the ground. I look forward to continuing to engage with AURA members and others who are committed to building a more affordable, connected, and equitable Central Texas.

Texas faces a shortage of housing statewide, and in Central Texas the median housing price remains well over $400,000. While local land use reforms have begun to address this issue, as a Texas House Representative, what specific steps would you take to address housing affordability in your district?

Texas’s housing shortage is the result of policy choices, and as a state legislator I would focus on removing barriers that prevent Austin and other local governments from building the homes people need.

First, I would defend and expand local land use reform. Cities need the freedom to allow more housing types – duplexes, fourplexes, small apartment buildings, and accessory dwelling units – especially near transit, jobs, and schools. I will oppose state preemption that freezes exclusionary zoning in place and instead support legislation that gives cities flexibility to legalize “missing middle” housing and reduce minimum lot sizes and parking mandates that drive up costs.

Second, I would work to speed up housing production by addressing state-level bottlenecks. That includes supporting by-right development when projects meet local codes, limiting unnecessary delays and duplicative approvals, and modernizing permitting processes so projects can move forward faster and at lower cost. Time is money in housing, and the state can help reduce both.

Third, I would prioritize transit-oriented and infrastructure-aligned housing. Housing is more affordable when transportation costs are lower. I support state policies that encourage dense housing near high-capacity transit and investments that align water, sewer, and mobility funding with housing growth.

Fourth, I would support targeted affordability tools that complement market-rate production, including funding for community land trusts, deeply affordable housing, and tenant protections that prevent displacement while new housing comes online. Housing affordability won’t be solved by one program or one subsidy. It requires allowing more homes to be built, in more places, for more people. My focus as a state representative will be to remove state-level obstacles, support data-driven local reform, and ensure Austin has the tools it needs to remain a place where people of all incomes can live and stay.

In the 89th Texas Legislative session, two key housing reforms, SB840 and HB 24 were passed and supported by many of the Central Texas state representatives. Would you have voted for these bills and what, if any, improvements or changes do you think should be considered for the 90th Legislative session?

Yes, I would have supported both SB 840 and HB 24 because they moved Texas in the right direction by addressing barriers that slow housing production and drive up costs. Both bills reflected an important shift toward recognizing that our housing shortage is fundamentally a supply problem, and that state policy should enable, not block, local solutions.

That said, I also see room to build on that progress in the 90th Legislative Session. First, I would want to go further in strengthening local authority. While these bills helped streamline certain processes, cities still face significant state-imposed constraints that limit their ability to legalize missing-middle housing, reduce parking minimums, or allow more density near transit. I would support legislation that more clearly protects local land use reforms from state preemption and gives cities flexibility to respond to their own housing markets.

Second, I would push for stronger by-right development standards when projects comply with local codes. Reducing discretionary delays, duplicative hearings, and uncertainty can significantly lower housing costs. The state should continue to clarify and expand when housing can move forward administratively rather than through prolonged political processes.

Third, I would want to better align housing reforms with transportation and infrastructure planning. Housing policy works best when paired with transit investment and infrastructure funding that supports compact, transit-oriented growth. Future legislation should more explicitly connect these pieces so new housing is built in places that reduce overall household costs.

Finally, I would support complementary affordability and anti-displacement tools, such as expanded support for community land trusts and tenant protections, so that increased housing production benefits both current and future residents. SB 840 and HB 24 were important steps, but they should be seen as a foundation, not a finish line. In the next session, I would work to deepen these reforms so Texas, and Austin in particular, can build enough housing to remain inclusive, affordable, and connected.

The Texas legislature and legislatures across the country have had growing success in reducing housing costs for residents by passing laws to allow more housing. In some cases, there is a tension between these pro-housing bills and the idea of granting local municipalities full control over their housing markets. When bills pit the principle of local control against the need for more housing, how do you evaluate this conflict?

I see local control and the need for more housing as deeply connected, not opposing values. In practice, the housing shortage exists because too many layers of policy have made it difficult or impossible to build enough homes, even in cities that want to act. My starting point is always whether a bill expands the ability to build housing where people want and need to live.

I strongly prefer solutions that empower cities to lead. Local governments are closest to their communities and best positioned to make data-driven decisions about land use, transit, and growth. When a pro-housing bill strengthens local authority, removes state-imposed barriers, or protects local reforms from preemption, I see that as fully consistent with local control and would support it.

When there is a real conflict, I evaluate whether “local control” is being used to preserve exclusionary practices that harm the broader community. If local rules are preventing the production of housing needed to address affordability, climate goals, or access to opportunity, I believe the state has a role in setting minimum pro-housing standards, while still leaving implementation to cities. My goal is to strike a balance where the state sets a floor, not a ceiling: removing harmful constraints, preventing exclusion, and ensuring housing can be built, while giving cities flexibility to shape growth in ways that reflect local needs. Done right, state action should unlock local solutions and help Austin and other communities build an inclusive, affordable future.

Mandating parking requirements for new commercial and residential projects adds costs and space burdens without necessarily benefiting local communities. Given Austin’s leadership in removing parking minimums, would you actively support parking reform and work towards a similar statewide repeal of parking mandates?

Yes. I would actively support parking reform and work toward reducing or repealing outdated parking mandates at the state level. Parking minimums are a clear example of policy that raises housing and commercial costs without delivering proportional public benefit. They increase construction expenses, reduce the amount of land available for housing or productive use, and often force car-centric design even in areas well served by transit.

Austin’s decision to remove parking minimums has shown that cities can trust residents, businesses, and developers to determine what parking is actually needed. At the state level, I would support legislation that removes mandatory parking requirements as a default and gives local governments the flexibility to set context-sensitive standards where they believe they are truly necessary. In cases where state law still imposes parking mandates, I would work to eliminate those barriers so cities are not forced to overbuild parking at the expense of affordability, walkability, and climate goals. Parking reform is about more than cars. It is about lowering costs, supporting small businesses, enabling more housing, and allowing communities to grow in ways that reflect how people actually live. I see Austin’s leadership as a model, and I would work to ensure state policy supports, rather than undermines, that kind of forward-thinking local action.

TxDOT recently released the first ever Active Transportation plan and noted that population growth in Texas requires the agency to look beyond road building to address transportation needs across the state. What steps would you take to ensure additional funding was made available to expand transit like Project Connect, and other bike, sidewalk and other transportation options for Central Texas?

To meet Central Texas’s growth responsibly, the state has to invest in transportation choices beyond highways, and I would make that a priority in the Legislature. First, I would work to rebalance state transportation funding so transit, biking, walking, and other active transportation projects are eligible for consistent, meaningful funding, not just one-time grants. TxDOT’s Active Transportation Plan is an important acknowledgment that roads alone will not meet our needs, and state budgets should reflect that reality.

Second, I would advocate for strong state partnership with local transit investments like Project Connect. When regions vote to tax themselves to build transit, the state should be a supportive partner, not an obstacle. That includes protecting local funding sources, removing statutory barriers to transit expansion, and creating state matching or incentive programs for high-capacity transit projects.

Third, I would push to integrate land use and transportation planning at the state level. Transit works best when paired with housing and walkable infrastructure, and state funding should prioritize projects that reduce vehicle miles traveled, improve access to jobs, and lower household transportation costs. Finally, I would support dedicated funding for active transportation, including sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and safe routes to schools. These investments improve safety, public health, and equity, and they are essential for a growing region like Central Texas. Expanding transit and active transportation is not just a mobility issue. It is about affordability, climate resilience, and making sure people can get where they need to go safely and efficiently. I would work to ensure state policy and funding help Central Texas build a transportation system that reflects how people actually move.

Please share any additional information regarding your candidacy for TX HD-50  that might be of interest to our membership. 

I would add that my candidacy is grounded in both lived experience and a commitment to data-driven, people-centered policy. I’m an Austin native, a small-business owner, and an immigration attorney who has spent my career working with families and workers navigating the consequences of state and local policy decisions. I see every day how housing costs, transportation choices, and land use decisions shape people’s ability to stay in Austin and thrive here.  For House District 50, I’m especially focused on keeping Austin affordable, connected, and welcoming. That means supporting local land use reform, transit investments like Project Connect, and policies that reduce car dependence and overall household costs. It also means opposing state interference that blocks cities from addressing growth responsibly.  I value organizations like AURA because you bring rigorous analysis, long-term thinking, and community engagement to these conversations. If elected, I would welcome continued dialogue with AURA members and see you as important partners in shaping policies that help Austin grow in a way that is inclusive, sustainable, and works for everyone.

Texas faces a shortage of housing statewide, and in Central Texas the median housing price remains well over $400,000. While local land use reforms have begun to address this issue, as a Texas House Representative, what specific steps would you take to address housing affordability in your district?

Texas’s housing shortage requires state action that supports smart local land use reforms and expands housing supply at all income levels. As a state representative, I would support legislation that allows cities to build more housing types near jobs, schools, and transit, including missing middle housing and mixed-use development. I also believe the state must invest in affordable housing for essential workers like teachers, nurses, and state employees who are increasingly priced out of the communities they serve. That includes using state tools to incentivize workforce housing, supporting infrastructure funding that enables infill development, and aligning housing policy with transportation and economic development decisions. Addressing affordability requires increasing supply in a thoughtful, community-centered way while ensuring growth is sustainable and equitable for Central Texas residents.

In the 89th Texas Legislative session, two key housing reforms, SB840 and HB 24 were passed and supported by many of the Central Texas state representatives. Would you have voted for these bills and what, if any, improvements or changes do you think should be considered for the 90th Legislative session?

Yes, I would have voted for SB 840 and HB 24. Both bills represented important steps toward increasing housing supply by giving local governments more flexibility to allow additional housing types and reduce barriers to infill development. As Central Texas continues to grow, these reforms help address the mismatch between housing supply and demand. In the 90th Legislature, I would want to build on this progress by strengthening affordability outcomes, encouraging housing near transit and job centers, and ensuring that reforms are paired with infrastructure and transportation investments. I would also support refining these policies to better support workforce housing and ensure that new development benefits existing communities while expanding access to housing choices. 

The Texas legislature and legislatures across the country have had growing success in reducing housing costs for residents by passing laws to allow more housing. In some cases, there is a tension between these pro-housing bills and the idea of granting local municipalities full control over their housing markets. When bills pit the principle of local control against the need for more housing, how do you evaluate this conflict?

I strongly believe that local governments should have the primary authority to shape their housing policies, and I am generally opposed to state preemption that strips cities of the ability to respond to their unique needs. Texas’s housing crisis is real, but top-down mandates are not the right solution. The state should focus on supporting cities with funding, technical assistance, and incentives to adopt pro-housing policies rather than forcing one-size-fits-all approaches. I evaluate these conflicts by prioritizing local democracy, community input, and equity, while encouraging local reforms that increase housing supply and affordability without undermining local control.

Mandating parking requirements for new commercial and residential projects adds costs and space burdens without necessarily benefiting local communities. Given Austin’s leadership in removing parking minimums, would you actively support parking reform and work towards a similar statewide repeal of parking mandates?

Yes. I support parking reform and would oppose statewide mandates that require minimum parking for new residential and commercial projects. Austin’s decision to remove parking minimums has shown that allowing flexibility can lower construction costs, make better use of land, and support more walkable, transit-oriented communities. Parking needs vary widely across Texas, and imposing one-size-fits-all requirements drives up housing costs and limits development. The state’s role should be to remove barriers and allow local governments to decide what works best for their communities, rather than mandating parking standards that increase costs without clear public benefit.

TxDOT recently released the first ever Active Transportation plan and noted that population growth in Texas requires the agency to look beyond road building to address transportation needs across the state. What steps would you take to ensure additional funding was made available to expand transit like Project Connect, and other bike, sidewalk and other transportation options for Central Texas?

I strongly support expanding transit and active transportation options, and I believe the state must play a larger role in funding them. I would advocate for dedicating state transportation dollars to public transit projects like Project Connect, as well as bike, pedestrian, and sidewalk infrastructure, rather than focusing almost exclusively on highway expansion. That includes leveraging TxDOT’s Active Transportation Plan, expanding grant programs, and ensuring regional transit authorities have predictable funding sources. As Central Texas grows, investing in multimodal transportation is essential to reduce congestion, improve safety, support housing affordability, and give people real choices in how they move around their communities.

Please share any additional information regarding your candidacy for TX HD-50  that might be of interest to our membership. 

I am running for HD-50 with a strong focus on how land use, transportation, housing, and infrastructure intersect with affordability and quality of life in Central Texas. I believe we need state leadership that supports local solutions, invests in transit and active transportation, and plans proactively for growth rather than reacting after crises. My background in public policy has shaped my commitment to smart growth, sustainability, and ensuring Central Texas has a strong voice in decisions that affect our region’s future.