Austin Welcomes Krista Laine as New City Council Member for District 6

Community members actively participating in Austin's City Council discussions.

News Summary

Austin celebrates the appointment of Krista Laine as the new City Council member for District 6. A former real estate appraiser, Krista’s journey into politics was sparked by her advocacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. She founded Access Education RRISD to fight for local school issues and is now focused on addressing infrastructure, affordable housing, and community concerns. With her dedication and experience in local governance, Krista aims to create a thriving and connected community in Austin.

Austin Cheers as Krista Laine Takes Seat on City Council for District 6

Big news is buzzing across Austin as the city welcomes its new City Council member for District 6. Meet Krista Laine, a former commercial real estate appraiser who has turned her eye for detail and community spirit into a seat at the table. Laine’s journey into politics wasn’t your typical story; it all kicked off during the global uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Unexpected Journey

When the pandemic hit, Krista took a sabbatical from her real estate career. Little did she know that this break would lead her into the thrilling, sometimes tumultuous, world of local politics. Fueled by a growing concern over health and safety debates during Round Rock ISD Board meetings, she realized that she had to step up and take action.

Activism Takes Root

Krista founded Access Education RRISD, an advocacy group and political action committee aimed at countering a wave of right-wing candidates who were threatening to unseat dissenting school trustees. Under her passionate leadership, the political group won all five of their races, with victories ranging from a solid 15% to a full 25% margin. This success cemented her place as a community organizer who genuinely cared about the welfare of local schools.

Stepping into City Politics

After stepping back from Access Education RRISD, Krista’s political fire didn’t flicker out; it only intensified. Further frustrations arose over ongoing difficulties with neighborhood utility services. After Winter Storm Uri wreaked havoc, she raised alarms about a malfunctioning wastewater lift station that sadly led to raw sewage leaking into the Bull Creek watershed. This was not just about her personal inconveniences; Krista was increasingly worried about the overall infrastructure and health of her community.

While trying to resolve issues with her electric service, Krista discovered that her representative, at the time, Mackenzie Kelly, wasn’t responsive to her pressing infrastructure concerns. This awakening became a pivotal moment for Laine, pushing her to consider running for City Council when she noticed former Council Member Don Zimmerman gaining questionable support during a school protest.

Winning the Election

Laine entered the race, bringing with her a promise to prioritize several important issues: affordable housing, land code reform, utility resilience, and 911 response times. Not stopping there, she also proposed improving public transportation, strongly advocating for expanded bus routes to help working-class residents get to where they need to be. Her campaign resonated with voters, who were eager for fresh leadership dedicated to tackling tough community problems.

Setting Community Goals

Through her campaign, Krista emphasized the need to foster a sense of community and stability within District 6. She raised concerns about the *potential dangers of de-annexation* if critical issues were left unresolved. A community that feels connected and supported is a thriving one, and Laine is intent on nurturing that spirit.

Looking Ahead

With her wealth of experience in land development combined with her genuine desire to advocate for her constituents, Krista Laine is geared up to tackle infrastructure challenges and improve services for District 6. With her boots on the ground and her heart in the right place, the people of Austin are hopeful that they are in good hands.

As Krista Laine embarks on her journey as a City Council member, it’s clear she’s ready to roll up her sleeves and make a real difference. Exciting times lie ahead for Austin, as they rally around their new representative!