A respected University of Texas study has found that Austin is the only high-growth city that is losing African Americans, both in terms of numbers and percentage of the total population. Do you consider this a problem? If so, what would you do to reverse or stabilize the decline?

Rich DePalma

City Council, District 8

This is definitely a problem. When I moved to Austin from Oakland, California, I was surprised at the stark lack of diversity in the city. As the affordability gap continues to grow, we continue to see more and more people of color be displaced. As more people and companies continue to move to Austin, this places an increased burden on families who are already struggling. Affordability seems not to be the only challenge but also lack of access to opportunity. I think this is why many of my friends have moved to Pflugerville. They want access to good housing, safe neighborhoods and good schools.