CM Greg Casar speaks during a rally on October 24, 2020, in remembrance of nearly 200 incarcerated Texans and 20 prison staff who have died of COVID-19. (Photo by John Anderson)
The drawn-out debate to decide who will be Austin's next mayor pro tem will finally end next week, as City Council convenes for its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, Jan. 27.
“Mayor pro tem” is just a title; it does not come with additional authority, pay, or staff, or a fancier office. But the MPT wrangle has highlighted tensions among Council factions that will be important to understand as they shape how City Hall functions for the next two years.