Britny Eubank

Llanes Pulido is a native Austinite who describes herself as a dedicated advocate for equitable infrastructure, civic engagement and progressive housing. AUSTIN, Texas — The list of candidates running for mayor of Austin continues to grow. Community organizer Carmen Llanes Pulido officially announced her campaign on Tuesday. Llanes Pulido is a native Austinite who describes herself as a dedicated advocate for equitable infrastructure, civic engagement and progressive housing. She said she believes in improving the quality of life for underserved communities, anti-displacement and climate preparedness and "deeply affordable" housing. Llanes Pulido is the executive director of the nonprofit Go! Austin/¡Vamos! Austin (GAVA). According to a report from KVUE's partners at the Austin American-Statesman, she previously worked at the nonprofit Marathon Kids and she has also served on several city commissions, including the Planning Commission, the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission and the Latino Quality of Life Commission. According to her biography on the Center for Community Investment's website, she studied environmental sciences and free trade policy at the University of Chicago. "Many Austinites from diverse backgrounds have asked me to step up and run for office," Llanes Pulido said in a press release announcing her run for mayor. "There is a real craving for honest representation and common-sense solutions. People see a lack of transparency and a genuine problem with the influence that wealthy special interests wield. We need leadership that listens to the needs of people from all ends of the economic spectrum." Last week, former Austin City Council member Kathie Tovo formally announced that she is running for mayor. Current Mayor Kirk Watson has not formally announced if he is running again. The Statesman reports that Jennifer Virden, who has previously run for mayor and the District 10 council seat, is also considering a bid. Llanes Pulido said her campaign will focus on issues such as affordable housing, public education and environmental justice. She also said she wants to address police accountability and racial equity in city government. 'I want to make sure that we have a city council that looks like the community,' she said. Llanes Pulido is one of several candidates who are vying for the support of progressive voters, many of whom were drawn to former mayor Steve Adler's message of inclusivity and collaboration. 'I think there's a lot that we can agree on,' Llanes Pulido said. 'But I also know that we need to have some tough conversations about how we move forward together.' To learn more about her campaign, visit www.carmen4austin.com.