Flood Risk and Budget Battles at Travis County Precinct 2 Stir Urgency Ahead of March Primary
It’s just past 7 a.m. on a humid weekday morning at the intersection of Bee Cave Road and Westlake Drive, where a steady stream of commuters from West Austin and Lake Travis merge into Central Austin’s rush hour. The low-lying neighborhoods around Lake Austin Boulevard are still haunted by memories of last July’s deadly flooding, when swollen creeks overwhelmed drainage systems and left families stranded. As residents prepare to head to work or school, uncertainty looms over who will steer Travis County through the next wave of emergencies — and how their tax dollars will be managed.
On Sunday, March 3, voters in Travis County’s Precinct 2 will decide the Democratic nominee for the Commissioners Court seat that governs much of Central Austin, West Austin, and parts of the Lake Travis area. The winner will run unopposed in November and serve a four-year term overseeing critical county functions: the budget, emergency response, courts, and infrastructure in unincorporated zones.
Four Democrats are vying for this pivotal seat: incumbent Brigid Shea, Reese Armstrong, Rick Astray-Caneda III, and Amanda Marzullo. Their platforms reflect a shared concern for flood preparedness and justice reform, but their policy differences carry real consequences for residents’ safety, finances, and daily lives.
What’s at Stake for Precinct 2 Residents
Travis County’s emergency alert system was exposed as inadequate during the deadly floods that swept through northern parts of the county last July, leaving some neighborhoods around Lake Austin Boulevard and Bee Cave Road dangerously unprepared. All four candidates agree that improving this system is urgent. But the path to funding these upgrades is contentious.
Last year, the Commissioners Court approved a 9.12% property tax increase aimed at replenishing the county’s emergency response fund. That hike hit homeowners across neighborhoods like Tarrytown and West Lake Hills, many already struggling with rising housing costs and property taxes. Incumbent Brigid Shea defended the increase as necessary to address climate threats and emergency readiness. Her challengers argue it burdens residents unnecessarily and criticize past votes, including Shea’s support for a controversial tax incentive deal with Tesla in 2020.
For residents, these debates are not abstract. A failure to strengthen flood defenses and emergency systems means risking property damage, displacement, and even loss of life. It also means longer, more stressful interactions with county services during crises. Conversely, unchecked tax increases strain household budgets, forcing difficult choices between home repairs, utilities, and daily expenses.
What You Need to Do Now
If you live in Precinct 2 neighborhoods like Tarrytown, West Lake Hills, or near Lake Austin Boulevard, here’s what you must do immediately:
- Mark your calendar for Sunday, March 3 — this primary election will determine your county commissioner for the next four years.
- Review the candidates’ positions carefully, focusing on emergency preparedness, tax policies, and justice reform.
- Assess your household’s flood risk. Check your property’s elevation and drainage systems, especially if you live near creeks or low-lying areas.
- Update your emergency preparedness plan: identify evacuation routes using streets like Bee Cave Road and Westlake Drive, and assemble emergency kits.
- Sign up for Travis County’s emergency alert system if you haven’t already — verify your contact information to ensure you receive timely warnings.
- Consult neighbors or local community groups about past flood experiences and response gaps.
- Prepare for potential tax changes by reviewing your property tax statements and budgeting accordingly.
When to Seek Professional Help
There are clear moments when you cannot manage these risks alone, and professional assistance becomes necessary:
- Flood damage or risk: If your home sustains water damage or you discover structural vulnerabilities, contact licensed contractors immediately to assess and repair your property. Delaying repairs can lead to mold growth, foundation issues, and escalating costs.
- Legal concerns about property taxes or county policies: If you believe your property tax assessment is unfair or if you are confused by new tax codes following the recent 9.12% increase, you need to consult a property tax attorney or legal aid services familiar with Travis County regulations.
- Justice system navigation: If you or a family member faces legal challenges related to low-level offenses or issues involving immigration detainers after arrest, contact a qualified civil rights attorney. Amanda Marzullo, one of the candidates, highlights the risk of undocumented residents being funneled into ICE custody through the county jail system.
- Planning and infrastructure concerns: If you live in areas prone to flooding or infrastructure issues, professional urban planners or local environmental consultants can help you understand mitigation options and advocate for county resources.
Residents Face Critical Choices in a Changing Travis County
Precinct 2’s stretch from Central Austin’s busy corridors near Lamar Boulevard to the quieter, affluent pockets of West Lake Hills and the Lake Travis area is a microcosm of the county’s challenges. Daily, thousands drive through intersections like Bee Cave Road and Westlake Drive, a reminder that infrastructure decisions here affect everyone’s commute, safety, and quality of life.
Since 2021, the Commissioners Court has been fully Democratic, with Precinct 3’s Ann Howard replacing Republican Gerald Daugherty after his retirement. This political shift reflects broader changes but also raises the stakes for voter engagement in this upcoming primary. The winner will shape Travis County’s response to climate threats, housing pressures, and justice reform for years to come.
Ignoring these issues or failing to vote could leave your neighborhood vulnerable to flooding, your household overtaxed, and your community underserved. The time to act is now.
Where This Is Happening in Austin
This election and its consequences are centered in Travis County’s Precinct 2, covering neighborhoods including Tarrytown, West Lake Hills, and parts of Central Austin. Key streets include Bee Cave Road, Westlake Drive, and Lake Austin Boulevard — all vital arteries connecting residents to downtown Austin and the broader region.
Landmarks like the Barton Creek Greenbelt and the David Powell Clinic, where Rick Astray-Caneda III serves as president, anchor the community’s health and environmental concerns. Residents frequently navigate these areas for work, school, and emergency services, making the decisions of the Commissioners Court immediately relevant to daily life.
