Key Takeaways
🌞 Sunshine Camp Lessons: early leadership and life-changing experiences
🏛️ Activist to Councilmember: transitioning into public service and advocacy
💔 Family Tragedy: how the loss of his brother shaped his leadership and compassion
📚 Service Over Self: the lesson that drives every decision José makes
🏠 Affordability First: tackling Austin’s housing and displacement challenges head-on
🗣️ Politics with Heart: listening, understanding, and communicating effectively
Meet the Guest – José M.A. Velásquez
Council Member José Miguel Anwar Velásquez is a community activist, thought leader and proud son of Austin.
He was raised in East Austin with his three siblings, by a hardworking, tenacious single mother who instilled in him a commitment to service and the heart to fight for his community. José’s mother worked two and three jobs to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table but still found time to serve their community. Through her example, José learned that hard work and service to others was the only way to navigate life.
José went to work at age 11 in a local panaderia to help his mother with bills. That same year he wrote his first petition to help a classmate out of an unsafe environment. José has not quit working or serving his community since.
José is a proud Metz Cobra, Martin Eagle, Austin High Maroon, and Huston Tillotson Ram.
He has served on numerous boards and commissions including; Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Latinitas Austin, East Austin Conservancy, City of Austin Hispanic / Latino Quality of Life Commission and the Mayor’s Anti-Displacement Taskforce.
Connect with José
Show Notes
Born and raised in East Austin, Councilmember José Velásquez brings heart, grit, and authenticity to City Hall. In this episode, he shares his journey from a childhood shaped by hard work and activism to becoming one of Austin’s most community-driven leaders. Velásquez also discusses pressing issues facing Austin, such as housing, gentrification, and the importance of direct constituent engagement.