Draft:Al Austin II

Al Austin II
Alvin Richard Austin II is an American politician and community organizer, currently serving as a member of the Long Beach City Council representing the 8th District. Austin also serves as the Political and Legislative Director at the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 57.

Early Life and Education
Austin was born in Detroit, Michigan, and moved to California with his family during his preteen years after his father, who previously worked for Chrysler in New York, accepted a position at McDonnell Douglas. The family temporarily resided at the Holiday Inn on Lakewood in Long Beach until their house was ready.

Austin attended high school in the San Gabriel Valley. Following his graduation, he secured a job at McDonnell Douglas in the fabrication department. He ascended to leadership positions, serving as a union representative and political coordinator, roles which marked the beginning of his extensive career in public service and politics.

Political Career
Al Austin is currently the longest serving Long Beach City Councilmember, having been elected in 2012. During his tenure, Austin has focused on improving public safety, enhancing local infrastructure, and fostering community engagement. Austin initiated a motion to expand Long Beach's Safe Passages Programs, following a violent incident involving a student walking between Jordan High School and Colin Powell Elementary. In a June council meeting, Austin emphasized the importance of student safety, stating that children should not face violence or intimidation on their way to and from school. The motion received unanimous approval.

He has been an advocate for economic development within his district, aiming to balance growth with community needs. Austin was instrumental in the Uptown Planning Land Use And Neighborhood Strategy (UPLAN) initiative, which encompasses broader redevelopment efforts across North Long Beach. The UPLAN project was developed following a series of community outreach meetings where residents expressed a need for safer streets and other quality-of-life improvements.

In the 2016 elections, Austin successfully defeated Wesley Turnbow and Laurie Angel in the Long Beach City Council District 8 election.

In the 2020 elections, Austin successfully defended his council seat against challenger Tunua Thrash-Ntuk. His final current term ends at the end of December 2024.

In 2022, Austin announced his bid for the California State Assembly, aiming to succeed the retiring Assemblymember Patrick O'Donnell.