Interim city manager to reorganize Austin leadership positions

AUSTIN, Texas — Interim Austin Metropolis Supervisor Jesús Garza has solely been within the place for just a few weeks, however he’s making his presence felt.

Garza was metropolis supervisor when Austin Mayor Kirk Watson started his first time period as mayor in 1997. He not too long ago changed Spencer Cronk, who was relieved of his place following outrage over town’s response to the facility outages after February’s ice storm. 

On Friday, the Metropolis of Austin, in a information launch, stated Garza is reorganizing the portfolios for the assistant metropolis managers and the chief monetary officer.

The next adjustments are coming, the discharge states:

• The chief monetary officer (CFO) will report on to town supervisor.  
• A brand new govt place is being created for strategic communications and exterior affairs reporting on to town supervisor.   
• Shifting assistant metropolis supervisor division assignments as workplaces are consolidated.  
• Making a Planning Division to permit for equal deal with the significance of inexpensive housing and planning in our neighborhood. This contains hiring Lauren Middleton-Pratt to function the brand new Planning Director efficient Could 1. 

“I’ve assessed the inside workings of this group and consider adjustments are wanted to place us for the absolute best service supply now and into the long run,” Garza stated. “My highest precedence is to arrange our individuals and our work in order that we’re working cohesively and targeted on problem-solving. I consider this construction will likely be conducive to lowering course of redundancies and to working on the highest effectivity.” 

 Former metropolis supervisor returns to steer Austin

Garza stated the adjustments are being made to prioritize the general public’s wants and make sure the reliability of companies.

“We have to ship fundamental metropolis companies with excellence and reliability whereas supporting the Metropolis Council’s highest priorities and making certain we’re making significant progress on these priorities. I can not emphasize sufficient the significance and worth of teamwork, encouraging innovation and selling excessive requirements for public service inside this group,” he stated.

Spectrum Information 1’s Kimberly Reeves contributed to this report.