Civil Rights and Wrongs for August 10, 2021

The 2021-22 Budget for the City of Austin is about to be approved.  On the face of it we see a lot of numbers that would normally interest few beyond accountants and managers.  However, between the previous and current budget cycles, a battle over public safety is playing out through resource allocation.  Players include community groups, the Texas Legislature, Austin City Council, and the Austin Police Association, among others.  To help us sort it out, this Tuesday our guests are from the Austin Chronicle:  Mike Clark-Madison, News Editor and Columnist, and Austin Sanders, Staff Writer.  Mike has occasionally joined us to discuss state and local legislative issues, and Austin has been a regular contributor to the show for more than a year now.

Later in the program we speak with leaders from the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC).  The commission is tasked with updating the maps that define district representation in the Austin City Council.   We’ll hear from Christina Puentes, Chair, and Luis Gonzalez, Vice-Chair, about this essential work which enables local democracy.