Policy Power: Insights on Influence in Local Decision Making

Tap into the mindsets of four local leaders, working at different levels of government, state, county, city and citizen board, tasked with making and influencing decisions that shape the future of Austin and beyond.

"The backdrop of this year's Earth Day ATX theme - Reclaiming Power - is the contentious state of global and national political affairs. This has a LOT of people eager to learn how they can be effective change agents. Influencing policy is one key strategy, but how does one go about doing that? Tap into the mindsets of four local leaders, working at different levels of government, state, county, city and citizen board, tasked with making and influencing decisions that shape the future of Austin and beyond. Get the inside scoop on what it's really like to prepare for meetings and get ready for votes. Discover what has leaders sponsor, support or oppose issues. Find out what helps them build a coalition around a vote. Listen as they reveal what helps them make decisions. Get insights on their pet peeves and what advocates do that might be helping or hurting their causes. Panelists: Celia Israel, Texas House of Representatives, 50th District Jeff Travillion, Travis County Commissioner, Place 1 and former President of the Austin Chapter of the NAACP Lesley Varghese, City of Austin Mayor’s Office, Chief of Staff Marisa Perales, Chair of the City of Austin Environmental Commission and Environmental Attorney Panel moderated by Evan Smith, CEO of The Texas Tribune and host of the weekly interview program ""Overheard with Evan Smith"" Q&A managed by Meme Styles, Founder and President of Measure Austin"