However, in 2012 the citizens of Austin approved two propositions that established ten single-member districts within the city and assigned council and mayoral seats staggered four-year terms, with members limited to two terms.

[2] There are several boards and commissions that are composed of non-elected appointed citizens to give advice and recommendations to council members.

[4][2] At the start of each term, Council elects a Mayor Pro Tempore from its members, usually serving 1-2 years.

[5] The current Mayor Pro Tempore is Vanessa Fuentes, elected on January 6th, 2025.

The City of Austin was officially incorporated by the Fourth Congress of the Republic of Texas on December 27, 1839.

The city was established at the confluence of the Colorado River and Shoal Creek, which was then the site of a small community known as Waterloo.

On January 6th, 2025, she was elected by council to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore for the duration of 2025.

In November 2021, Councillor Greg Casar resigned his seat to run for Congress.

District 4 was vacant until a January 25th, 2022 special election was held to fill the vacancy.

The current councillor is Jose "Chito" Vela, who has represented the district since February 2022.

On January 6th, 2025, he was elected by council to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore for the duration of 2026.