Evelio E. "Rick" Astray-Caneda for
Travis County Commissioner Precinct 2!

Vote on March 3^rd!

I'm running to be your Commissioner in Travis County Precinct 2 because I believe everyone should have a voice in creating a healthy, safe, prosperous community that works for all of us. I'm eager to bring my experience collaborating with the front-lines of state and local governments for over 12 years and my experience leading a health nonprofit right here in Travis County, to build the best county together with you.

Policy Priorities

• Affordable Housing and Affordable Living: The living wage for a family of four in Travis County is around $117,000 per year - that does not go far with a median home price of $520,000. I'll be deeply focused on leveraging new laws passed in the 2025 legislative session to develop more affordable housing options, and ensuring when people are offered supportive housing, they get the services they deserve to succeed.
• Healthcare with equity for all: With the Trump administration attacking healthcare, we have to work harder than ever to build a healthcare system that promotes equity and resilience. We need to use county resources to get everyone free or cheap vaccines as those get more expensive, help people stay enrolled in Medicaid, and provide more care given the drastic increases in prices for ACA plans that are making insurance unaffordable.
• Disaster Resilience and Preparedness: In 2025, there's no excuse for people dying in floods in our county. With the updated FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan due in 2028, I'll drive engagement with you, the residents of Travis County, to build disaster resilience that works for you. A top priority will be fixing the emergency alert system so it works for everyone, every time.
• Representation for All = Equity and Justice for All: We need to elevate the voices of diverse communities in our county government. That's why on Day 1 in office I'll start working with community groups to form two commissions that will advise county government and municipalities within the county. The Travis County Quality of Life Commission will bring diverse people together to represent various underrepresented groups in our community and ensure everyone has a voice in county government. The Travis County Human Rights Commission will serve as an advisory board for law enforcement, including the county jail, bringing underrepresented groups to the table to help the County Commission exercise its oversight and operations of our law enforcement functions in a fair, compassionate manner that lifts all communities in Travis County up.

See more on the Issues Page!

My Experience

• Leader of a local health nonprofit helping those served by the public health system - I work with a public clinic to help the neediest people rapidly get medicine, housing, and food.
• 12+ years designing social service programs and tools with state and local governments nationwide - I am ready to lead efficient government that delivers top-notch services.
• Led a county team that developed a $19 Million COVID recovery grant for local nonprofits.
• Led a design team that worked across nine state social service agencies to develop an integrated social service contact center serving over 1 million people.
• PhD research focused on social vulnerability and resilience - the backbone of Social Determinants of Health.

 About Rick

• Austin resident since 2009, living in the Highland neighborhood since 2021.
• Master of Public Affairs and PhD in Public Affairs.
• 12+ years of experience helping state and local governments build programs while at globally recognized firms Deloitte, Accenture, Public Consulting Group, and Weaver.
• President of the Friends of the David Powell Clinic - an Austin nonprofit helping people living with HIV.
• Member of Austin Fast Track Cities and volunteer lead of a city/community effort to launch a global UN-backed health stigma study.
• Former United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction strategy consulting volunteer.