I was born and raised right here in East Austin — a lifelong resident of District 1. I attended Norman Elementary, Blanton Elementary, Maplewood Elementary, Kealing Middle School, and LBJ High School, and graduated from Austin Community College, Huston-Tillotson University, and Texas State University, where I'm currently pursuing my Master of Science degree.

About Steven Brown | Austin City Council District 1

I was raised by my loving parents and great-grandmother, and I've raised my two sons here as well. I know firsthand the challenges families face in Austin today — whether it's rising costs, access to affordable housing, or feeling unheard by local government.

Steven Brown is originally from East Austin. He graduated from Austin Community College, Huston-Tillotson University, and Texas State University and is pursuing a Master of Science degree at Texas State University. He has raised two sons.

For over 20 years, I've served Austin as a trusted healthcare professional, working with people from all walks of life to solve complex problems. That experience taught me the power of teamwork, empathy, and accountability — values I will bring to the Austin City Council.

Steven Brown works as a healthcare professional in Austin.

Steven works as a healthcare professional in Austin.

2026 Texas General Election

But several other organizations, including business groups like the Austin Chamber and the Real Estate Council of Austin, oppose the measure, citing the impacts on families already struggling to make ends meet.

Steven Brown, a board member with the Save Austin Now PAC, said his group agrees these issues need to be addressed but that putting it on the backs of taxpayers isn't the way forward.

What is Prop Q in Austin election, and what would it fund? | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station

Steven Brown, a board member with the Save Austin Now PAC, said his group agrees these issues need to be addressed but that putting it on the backs of taxpayers isn't the way forward.

“We want to work with the city to come up with new solutions and come up with a more fiscally responsible budget,” Brown said. “We have families being forced to choose between putting their kids in afterschool programs or giving their money to the city of Austin to solve problems they might never see happen.”

Putting a bond before voters comes as residents and advocates have raised concerns about the city’s spending.
East side resident Steven Brown, who is running for the District 1 City Council seat, said he would not support a bond at this point in time. He felt the council was being fiscally irresponsible and there was a lack of trust, citing the pushback over the Project Connect tax.

Austin leaders might ask voters to approve a tax increase, again | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station

He said after voters clearly rejected Prop Q, there needs to be a "healthy conversation" about the city's future before asking taxpayers for more money.
"To me it doesn't show how serious the city is about [the impacts on] working families and [addressing] affordability," Brown said. "I'm not saying that these investments wouldn't have benefits. But before any projects are done, we need to make sure families are stable."

2
Workers, Taxes, & Economic Justice

Fighting for living wages on city contracts and local hiring practices, while making sure city tax policies put D1 working families first.

Platform | Steven Brown for Austin City Council District 1

Opposes additional city tax increases and a new bond at this time, calling for a more fiscally responsible budget before seeking more taxpayer funding.

Advocates for living wages on city contracts, local hiring practices, and city tax policies that prioritize District 1 working families.

- Opposes additional city tax increases and a new bond at this time, calling for a more fiscally responsible budget before seeking more taxpayer funding.
- Advocates for living wages on city contracts, local hiring practices, and city tax policies that prioritize District 1 working families.

Economy

3
Education, Youth, & Family Investment

Directing real, measurable city dollars into D1's school infrastructure, parks, libraries, and after-school programs, so our kids can thrive in the neighborhoods they call home.

We have worked with the City to advocate for community priorities, including a new pool, upgraded playgrounds, and multipurpose fields. In June 2026, I testified before the Austin Parks and Recreation Board to urge funding for the reopening of Givens Recreation Center and its historic community kitchen. They said no, which has led to launching my "Reopen Givens Kitchen" petition, because the kitchen is not just an amenity — it is a vital cultural space for food access, community gathering, and neighborhood power.

District 1 residents have been locked out of decisions that affect their lives. Steven is RECLAIMING community power. He's committing to community advisory boards, transparent public forums, and direct resident input on projects that affect D1. When the community decides, we all win.

Plans to direct city funding to District 1 school infrastructure, parks, libraries, and after-school programs.

Called for city funding to reopen the historic community kitchen at Givens Recreation Center.

Commits to community advisory boards, transparent public forums, and resident input on District 1 projects.

- Plans to direct city funding to District 1 school infrastructure, parks, libraries, and after-school programs.
- Called for city funding to reopen the historic community kitchen at Givens Recreation Center.
- Commits to community advisory boards, transparent public forums, and resident input on District 1 projects.

Public Services

Growth that doesn't lift up District 1 residents isn't progress — it's DISPLACEMENT. Steven is fighting for development that pays living wages, includes affordable housing, respects D1's character and history, and keeps working families rooted in the communities they build.

1
Housing Affordability & Anti-Displacement

Keeping long-term residents, renters, and seniors in the community they built — not pricing them out with unchecked development.

Defending Affordability

Beginning in 2023, I started raising early concerns about the lack of transparency around the HOME initiative through my advocacy on the Givens Park Advisory Board and with local East Side churches. In 2024, I spoke at City Hall against HOME Phases 1 and 2. In 2025, I opposed Proposition Q, standing with District 1 residents who felt it moved too quickly without enough time, outreach, or clear information for the communities most affected.

Advocates for affordable housing development that pays living wages and prevents displacement of long-term residents, renters, and seniors.

Opposed Austin's HOME Phases 1 and 2 after raising concerns about the initiative's transparency.

- Advocates for affordable housing development that pays living wages and prevents displacement of long-term residents, renters, and seniors.
- Opposed Austin's HOME Phases 1 and 2 after raising concerns about the initiative's transparency.

Housing & Urban Development

4
Environmental Justice & Safe Neighborhoods

Ensuring D1 is no longer overlooked on safety and environmental health — reducing crime, improving police accountability, securing clean water and more tree canopy.

Supports reducing crime and improving police accountability in District 1.

- Supports reducing crime and improving police accountability in District 1.

Public Safety

5
Transportation & Reliable Mobility

Delivering safer streets, connected sidewalks, and reliable transit so D1 residents can get where they need to go without dangerous or costly commutes.

Plans to improve street safety, sidewalks, and reliable transit in District 1.

- Plans to improve street safety, sidewalks, and reliable transit in District 1.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Supports securing clean water and expanding tree canopy in District 1.

- Supports securing clean water and expanding tree canopy in District 1.

Energy & the Environment

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Steven Brown

- Advocates for living wages on city contracts, local hiring practices, and city tax policies that prioritize District 1 working families.

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- City council members collaborate to create and enforce city policies, including legislation on essential services like police, fire, parks, libraries, and utilities.
- They work alongside the mayor to manage city departments, including transportation and parks and recreation.
- Council members can be elected to represent specific districts or the entire city at-large.
- The structure of city councils, including the number of members, their terms, term limits, and partisanship, differs by county.

Passes laws and regulations for your city.