We are in the process of hosting an event series which hopes to bring Austin’s tech and innovation community into conversations about local politics, issues our city is facing and how they can leverage their skills and interests to solve them:

The two events we’ve hosted thus far have greatly informed the approaches I’d take in governance, and indeed affected all my answers above. I would look to continue to promote similar community events moving forward to continue these conversations far past September of 2018.

Thursday 9/6, 5-7pm (Impact Hub, Monroe): Growing a Stronger Workforce

In the age of automation, we need to create a pathway to economic opportunity that’s human-centric. How are we equipping our human capital to be able to participate in the future of work? Join us for a conversation on workforce development, moderated by Danielle Skidmore—Civil Engineer and Commissioner for District 9, Austin LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission.

Thursday 9/13, 5-7pm (Capital Factory): Ensuring Equity in Tech

From #MeToo to #BlackLivesMatter, unheard voices are claiming space in national conversations. But is representation in the workplace following suit? Join us for a conversation on the need for equity in tech and industry, moderated by Danielle Skidmore—Civil Engineer and Commissioner for District 9, Austin LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission.

Thursday 9/20, 5-7pm (Galvanize): Moving Us Forward

Traffic is a headache for us now, and is destroying our climate for the future. For the physical safety of our citizens and the environmental health of our planet, we must provide real alternatives to driving. Join us for a conversation on mobility and the the future of transportation, moderated by Danielle Skidmore—Civil Engineer and Commissioner for District 9, Austin LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission.

Thursday 9/27, 5-7pm (WeWork, Barton Springs): Creating Space for Community

How do we create space to foster making a life not a living? Both within the workplace and a city’s broader layout, we can defeat physical barriers to entrepreneurship and innovation while building stronger communities. Join us for a conversation on intentional place-making, moderated by Danielle Skidmore—Civil Engineer and Commissioner for District 9, Austin LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission.