Austin City Council · Nov 3, 2026
José "Chito" Vela
Council member, District 4 (mayor pro tem), term runs through January 2029City of Austin
José "Chito" Vela (Council member, District 4, term runs through January 2029) is not on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot and will stay on the Austin City Council after the election.
First elected in a January 2022 special election and re-elected in 2024; holds a law degree and a master's in public affairs from UT Austin.
Where José "Chito" Vela stands: positions on the record
Budget and taxes2 sourced positions
Was among the nine members voting yes on the $6.6 billion FY2027 budget, which raised property taxes 3.5%; only Watson and Duchen voted no (Aug 2026).
Council voteAustin Current · Aug 12, 2026
Voted yes on calling the November 2025 tax rate election for a rate of $0.574017 per $100 (passed 11-0, Aug 2025).
Council voteAustin City Council minutes · Aug 13, 2025
Housing2 sourced positions
Voted yes on starting code changes to allow two- and three-unit homes in all zoning districts where housing is permitted (passed 9-1, May 2026).
Council voteAustin City Council minutes · May 7, 2026
Voted yes on a citywide density bonus program allowing added height in exchange for affordable housing (passed 8-1, May 2026).
Council voteAustin City Council minutes · May 21, 2026
Dog's Head development1 sourced position
Voted yes on Ordinance No. 20260723-111 creating Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 21 for Dog's Head (passed 7-3, July 2026).
Council voteAustin City Council minutes · Jul 23, 2026
Bonds1 sourced position
Voted yes on directing the city manager to prepare a November 2026 bond election ordinance (passed 8-3, Aug 2026).
Council voteAustin City Council minutes · Aug 4, 2026
Homelessness1 sourced position
Voted yes on buying a building at 2401 South Interstate 35 for up to $4,375,000 (passed 8-3, Oct 2025).
Council voteAustin City Council minutes · Oct 9, 2025
Public safety2 sourced positions
Abstained on the budget amendment creating an Office of Joint Emergency Communications (passed with six votes, Aug 2026).
Council voteAustin Current · Aug 12, 2026
Voted yes on an ordinance setting rules for city use of surveillance technology (passed 10-0, April 2026).
Council voteAustin City Council minutes · Apr 23, 2026
City spending1 sourced position
Voted yes on creating a citywide Comprehensive Efficiency Assessment Program under the City Auditor (passed 11-0, Feb 2026).
Council voteAustin City Council minutes · Feb 26, 2026
On the ballot this time
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