AUSTIN, Texas — Steve Adler, who served as mayor of Austin from 2015 to 2023, presided over the city during a transformative and turbulent era — one marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the George Floyd protests, and major policy shifts, including controversial decisions surrounding the funding of the Austin Police Department.
In an exclusive interview with CBS Austin, Adler reflected on his years in office and the city’s direction since his departure. He noted the city’s unique capacity for innovation and resilience. “There’s an ability to take risks in this city, tolerance for taking risks that I think is unmatched in any city in the world,” he said.
Adler was the first mayor to lead under the 10-1 City Council structure — a historic change in Austin governance that replaced an at-large council system with one composed of representatives from ten distinct districts. During his tenure, Austin faced some of the most pivotal moments in its recent history. Amid the ongoing national debate on public safety and civil unrest, Adler emphasized the importance of civic engagement…