AUSTIN, Texas — Six months into his tenure, Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax says he's found his introduction to the Texas capital "very pleasurable" and is focused on improving city services and addressing key issues like public safety and homelessness.
As city manager, Broadnax oversees about 16,000 employees across 40 city departments.
In an interview with KVUE Senior Reporter Tony Plohetski, Broadnax highlighted several accomplishments since taking the helm in May, including:
- Hiring a new police chief, Lisa Davis
- Negotiating a new police contract after an 18-month impasse
- Adopting a balanced two-year budget
"I'm excited that the team and my engagement with not just my executive team, but actually out with front line employees, has allowed me to be on board and get a better glimpse of how we function as an organization," Broadnax said.
The Austin City Council voted unanimously in April to hire Broadnax from Dallas, where he was city manager for about seven years. He also served as the top city executive in Tacoma, Washington, and as an assistant city manager in San Antonio.
He said he has appreciated the work of the city council and his relationships with each of them.
“One getting to know them, getting to know their priorities, their style and approach to how they like to lead as elected officials, what their communities need,” Broadnax said.
The city manager emphasized his commitment to improving communication and breaking down silos between departments to enhance service delivery.
On public safety, Broadnax touted the hiring of Davis and former Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia as key moves to rebuild trust between police and the community.
"I think selecting her and her approach to and how I know she is going to turn the page and change and create a different mindset as well as work with the people in the department to really help them become better, help them be more responsive no different than she is on a daily basis," Broadnax said of Davis.
Addressing affordability concerns, Broadnax pointed to zoning changes allowing more density and efforts to streamline permitting. He said the city has about 8,600 affordable housing units in the pipeline since 2023.
On homelessness, Broadnax acknowledged more work is needed.
"We've got too many people on the street," Broadnax said. "I think what I want to do is not make it a turnstile where people come in and out of homelessness."
Looking ahead, Broadnax outlined priorities for the next six months, including:
- Developing a more responsive city budget
- Implementing the new police contract
- Making key hires like a parks director
- Improving building and permitting processes
- Preparing for the upcoming state legislative session
"This is a big city, vibrant and active city and it's never going to be a day that I could just fold my tent and go home and not have to worry," Broadnax said.