AUSTIN, Texas — Former City of Austin Mayor Bruce Todd died on Christmas at the age of 72, according to a family spokesperson.
Todd served two terms as mayor, first elected in June 1991 and retired in June 1997. In his time as mayor, he and the council considered issues such as airport relocation, wilderness preservation and transferring the city-run hospital to Seton. He also helped recruit major employers to the city, like Samsung, AMD and Applied Materials.
He also helped pass the city's no-smoking law, banning cigars and cigarettes in all restaurants and bars.
Todd also led the effort to get the U.S. Airforce to transfer then-Bergstrom Air Force Base to the city when the base was being decommissioned. He succeeded and also worked to pass a $600 million bond election to transform the base into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Before joining the city council, he was elected to the Travis County Commissioners Court and served from 1987 to 1991. He later served on the commissioners court again from 2013 to 2014 when he was appointed to serve an unfinished term.
After leaving the mayor's office, Todd founded a public affairs company and retired years later, in his late 60s. In his later age, he enjoyed helping people considering a run for office and raising money for candidates he supported. He was campaign treasurer for Texas Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos and for Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore.
Todd was was born on Dec. 17, 1949, as the second of six children in Breckenridge, Texas. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a degree in business administration. He also earned his certified public accountant's license and practiced for more than 10 years.
Todd is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Christian, his son, Jeremy Todd, and his stepdaughter, Alexandra Rose, along with siblings and extended family members.
Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk on the passing of former Mayor Bruce Todd:
“Just as so many in our community, the City joins in grieving the loss of former Mayor Bruce Todd who served with honor and distinction. We have the utmost respect and appreciation for his service and his dedication to making Austin a better community for all.”
Todd's funeral service was held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, located at 3003 Northland Drive. A committal service was planned afterward from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Texas State Cemetery, located at 909 Navasota Street. Both services are open to the public.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: