At Wildhorn, we pride ourselves on being more than just property owners; we are stewards of the communities we serve, deeply invested in the well-being of Austin and its residents. As operators of residential properties, our responsibility extends far beyond managing buildings—it’s about creating safe, vibrant, and welcoming environments for our residents and dedicated on-site staff. This mission drives us every day, and our commitment doesn’t stop at the edges of our properties. We believe that to create thriving spaces for people to live, we must also invest in the larger community—helping to improve the city and state we call home. It’s why we spend so much time staying involved civically. From serving as the Chair of the Real Estate Council of Austin last year to being on the Board of The Austin Chamber of Commerce next year, trying to have an active role in the future direction of our market is paramount to who we are.
With Election season upon us, we wanted to share a few insights and updates on what we are tracking and supporting locally. While the Presidential Election will garner most of the national headlines, it’s critical to remember that Austin’s local election this November holds significant weight for our city’s future. The decisions made at the local level will shape Austin’s growth, development, and quality of life for years to come.
As a business leader and active member of the community, I believe we all must engage in the process, ensuring our leadership reflects the values that will support both the community and industries like real estate that drive the local economy.
Austin’s Unique City Council Structure
One of the strengths of Austin’s local governance lies in its unique 10-1 City Council system. The City Council is composed of 10 single-member districts, each representing a distinct neighborhood or area of the city, giving every part of Austin its voice in local government. This structure ensures that the diverse needs and perspectives of our growing city are well-represented. From the bustling downtown districts to quieter suburban neighborhoods, residents have a council member who speaks for their specific community. As property operators across various parts of Austin, we at Wildhorn see the value of this inclusive system. It allows the city to address the unique needs of different areas while fostering the collaborative spirit necessary to solve the citywide challenges we all face.
In my roles with the Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA) and the Austin Chamber of Commerce, I’ve witnessed firsthand how crucial it is to have the right City Council and Mayor in place to foster innovation, growth, and sustainable community development. At RECA, we don’t take our endorsements lightly. We carefully evaluate candidates based on their potential to positively impact the city and its future.
Supporting Mayor Kirk Watson and Our Preferred City Council Candidates
That’s why I’m proud to endorse Mayor Kirk Watson. His extensive experience and deep understanding of Austin’s unique challenges position him as the leader we need during this period of rapid growth. Mayor Watson has a proven track record of balancing development with community well-being, ensuring that as the city expands, it remains an inclusive, vibrant place to live and work. Under his leadership, I am confident that Austin will continue to thrive, benefiting all Austinites, including the thousands of residents who call Wildhorn properties home.
In addition to strong mayoral leadership, Austin’s City Manager plays a crucial role in managing the city’s day-to-day operations. Earlier this year, T.C. Broadnax was appointed as Austin’s new City Manager, bringing with him over 30 years of experience in municipal government. Broadnax has been recognized for his accomplishments in tackling complex issues such as public safety, homelessness, economic development, and organizational leadership. His tenure as City Manager of Dallas from 2017 to 2024 demonstrated his ability to navigate the challenges of a growing city, and his experience as City Manager in Tacoma and Assistant City Manager in San Antonio provides him with invaluable insights into how diverse urban environments function. Since assuming his role in Austin in May 2024, Broadnax has worked closely with city leaders like Mayor Watson to ensure Austin’s continued growth and success.
At Wildhorn, we recognize that having the right leadership in place at the city level is essential to ensuring that our properties—and our city—remain great places to live. As Austin continues to grow, we must elect officials who are committed to addressing the key issues facing our community, from economic development to public safety. While no candidate will perfectly align with all of our views, we believe that the leaders we endorse are the ones who are most committed to advancing Austin in the right direction and working collaboratively to build a better future.
Our Endorsements for the Upcoming Election
Below are the candidates that both RECA and Wildhorn proudly support in the upcoming election. We believe these individuals align most closely with our views on economic growth, real estate, and public safety, and we are confident in their ability to foster a strong, resilient Austin for years to come:
- Mayor: Incumbent Kirk Watson
- District 2: Incumbent Vanessa Fuentes
- District 4: Incumbent José “Chito” Vela
- District 6: Candidate Krista Laine
- District 7: Candidate Mike Siegel
- District 10: Candidate Ashika Ganguly
By supporting strong, capable leadership, we at Wildhorn remain dedicated to contributing to Austin’s success, ensuring that our city remains a place where businesses, residents, and communities can thrive together.
A lifelong Austinite and UT graduate, Cooper has worked in a variety of roles in the commercial real estate space throughout his career in Central Texas. Most recently, Cooper served in a business development role for Heritage Title for over 9 years. His diverse background serving clients in a variety of roles is an ideal fit for his position at Wildhorn Capital, where he manages the company’s capital relationships and focuses on deal sourcing in Austin.