Dear Friends,

Over the past few months, you have heard from us regarding engagement with City of Austin Boards and Commissions. As an organization, we heard the call to action from our community leaders, and did what we could to support our members who wanted to get involved in the civic process.

Thanks to support of our community partner Google, we were able to put together a series of programs and workshops to engage our community, identify potential leaders, and advocate on the behalf of dozens of young professionals.

We started months back with a workshop explaining the Board and Commission application process and service requirements. Then chair, John King addressed City Council to encourage our elected officials to consider appointing our members, and young professionals throughout Austin, who applied for Board and Commission service. Finally, AYC sent letters, and made phone calls, to every Council Office, as well as to the Mayor, with the list of our members who applied for Board and Commission service, advocating for their appointment.

Hundreds of appointments were made over the past four months, and we wanted to be sure that your voice was heard in the process. We wish it was possible for 100% of our members who want to serve our community had the opportunity. Unfortunately that was not possible. Regardless, AYC is here to speak on behalf of every member and partner and we will never stop being your biggest advocate.

Congratulations to all of the AYC members, and young professionals in the community, who have been appointed to serve in such meaningful posts! We are proud that so many emerging leaders expressed interest, and answered the call to serve. We know that the city will benefit from your leadership, and we are encouraged that so many of our members, and Austin’s young professionals, are rapidly emerging as the Next Generation of Austin Leaders.

In particular, we would like to congratulate our members, partners, and long-time friends:

Aaron Whatley, African American Resource Advisory Commission
Greg Anderson, Airport Advisory Commission
John Hay III, Building and Standards Commission-Panel 2
Nicholas Van Zandt, Commission on Veterans Affairs
Dave Floyd, Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission
David Courreges, Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Committee
Tanner Vaughan, Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission
John King, Economic Prosperity Commission
RC Mosier, Economic Prosperity Commission
Austin Kaplan, Ethics Review Commission
Robert Stratmann, Ethics Review Commission
Rodolfo Jimenez Jr., Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission
Yvette Ruiz, Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission
Adriel Meditz, Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board
Jose Vela III, Planning Commission
AJ Bingham, Urban Transportation Commission
Celso Baez III, Urban Transportation Commission
Eric Rangel, Urban Transportation Commission
Bailey Harrington, Veterans Affairs

If we missed anyone, please let us know!

We would also like to thank the Mayor’s office, and the Council Members, who appointed such talented and devoted young leaders. To our friends who have applied but have not yet been appointed, please continue to pursue your appointment, and always know that the AYC is here to support you in your leadership development and engagement opportunities. Please contact us if there is ever anything that we can do to help you in that process. Thank you all for stepping up to be leaders in our community!