Welcome to District 1
Stretching from I-35 to Austin’s eastern boundary, District 1 captures the full landscape of East Austin — from established neighborhoods and historic corridors to open parkland and rapidly growing communities. The district includes landmarks such as Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park, Huston–Tillotson University, and the African American Cultural Heritage District, alongside small businesses, faith institutions, schools, and family-owned establishments that have shaped the area for generations. District 1 reflects both legacy and momentum. It is home to long-standing residents, new families, entrepreneurs, artists, and students — all contributing to a community defined by resilience, cultural depth, and civic engagement. With spaces for recreation, education, and economic activity, District 1 continues to evolve while remaining deeply connected to the history and identity of East Austin.
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Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison
Term of Office
First Term: Jan. 7, 2019 through Jan. 6, 2023; Second Term: Jan. 6, 2023 through Jan. 6, 2027
Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison serves as the dedicated representative for Austin City Council District 1, known colloquially as the Eastside. Being born and raised within her district of Austin, she has developed a profound understanding of her community's culture and unique challenges over the years. Through her experience as a small business owner and local advocate, she developed invaluable insight and a deeper passion to serve the East Austin communities.
Council Member Harper-Madison's passion for grassroots activism ignited her aspiration to pursue public office, a goal she realized through her successful campaign for City Council in 2018. In a testament to her leadership and ambition, in 2020, her peers elected her as mayor pro-tem, making her the second Black woman on the Austin City Council to hold this esteemed title.
In her role as a City Council Member, she is proud to serve as Chair of the Housing and Planning Committee, focusing on affordability, equity, and sustainability. Additionally, she is a member of the Mobility Committee and the Capital Area Metropolitan Organization (CAMPO), where she plays a crucial role in shaping transportation policy to promote greater accessibility and safety.
Amidst her fervent advocacy for housing affordability, progressive mobility, and the expansion of economic opportunities, Harper-Madison stands as an irrepressible breast cancer survivor and a proud mother of four.