Austin City Council honors retiring city clerk Myrna Rios after 23 years of service

The Austin City Council meeting on April 10, 2025, began on a heartfelt note as members honored retiring City Clerk Myrna Rios, who has served the city for 23 years. Mayor Pro Tem emphasized Rios's significant contributions, including her role in municipal elections, managing boards and commissions, and navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rios was praised for her efforts in creating hybrid council meetings and enhancing the city’s e-filing system for campaign financial reports.

The council acknowledged Rios's dedication, with one council member referring to Austin as the "gold standard" for how petitions are handled, thanks to her leadership. As Rios prepares to retire at the end of the month, the council plans to vote on her replacement later in the meeting.

Following the tribute, the meeting proceeded with no changes or corrections to the agenda, allowing the council to move directly to the consent agenda. The council also scheduled public hearings on various items, with a special presentation from the city’s poet laureate planned for noon.

The meeting highlighted the council's commitment to community engagement and the importance of recognizing long-serving public officials. As Rios steps down, her legacy of excellence in city governance will be remembered by both council members and residents alike.