Delia comes from a very civically engaged family. Her parents, a firefighter and a stay-at-home mom, were very involved in their community and encouraged their three daughters to give back and pursue higher education. Delia’s upbringing inspired her to dedicate her career to public service and advocating for working families. Following in her father’s footsteps, she became a Firefighter. She was one of the first Mexican-American female firefighters in the Austin Fire Department. Her entire career was spent in fire stations that serve the South Austin community, most notably, fire station 17 at South 1st and Ben White, one of the busiest in the city (an assignment she requested). Delia lived in Dove Springs while a fire cadet and in 2003 she purchased her home in her responding territory in the Sweetbriar neighborhood. As a firefighter and member of the Austin Firefighter Association, Local 975, Delia worked tirelessly for her union advocating for fair wages and safe working conditions. She represented firefighters during two contract negotiating cycles, was elected to the local’s executive board, and was the first female appointed to chair the local’s political action committee. Remaining committed to public service, Delia left the Austin Fire Department in 2007, after 6 years of service, to pursue a law degree and extend the reach of her advocacy. She served as an Assistant Attorney General where she advocated for Texas families in the Child Support Division. She recently stepped down from that position to concentrate on this campaign. Delia has also been involved in numerous community-based efforts surrounding affordable housing, education, and fair and equitable district representation. She is a mentor at Rodriguez Elementary in Dove Springs through the Seedling Foundation, and serves on several boards and committees including Hermanos de East Austin, the Dove Springs Recreation Center Advisory Board, and the Capital City A&M Club Scholarship Committee. During the recent and catastrophic Halloween floods in Southeast Austin, Delia volunteered countless hours at the Dove Springs Recreation Center providing support to residents impacted by the floods. As a member of the Austin Relief Alliance, she helped plan and execute the KXAN Give-a-thon, one of many events that raised $130,000 for those affected by the flood. She continues to stay engaged in the recovery process and is committed to making sure city leaders create and implement long-term solutions for the affected community. Delia's years of work as a firefighter, community advocate, and attorney for social services has afforded her extensive experience in addressing injustices, mediating competing groups and interests, and solving complex problems. She will continue to fight for working families struggling to stay in Austin and is committed to improving the lives of all Austinites. Delia will champion:
Ensuring transparency and efficiency in City government
Alleviating traffic congestion and improving access to public transit
Fighting for affordability
Equitable economic development that provides jobs with living wages, safety protections, and good benefits
Collaborating with AISD to provide quality education and opportunities for Austin children
Protecting our environment and securing our water supply
Providing resources to encourage health and wellness
Protecting the community with exceptional public safety services
Pol. by Delia Garza Campaign, Jackie Goodman, Treasurer. This campaign has not agreed to comply with the contribution and expenditure limits of the Austin Fair Campaign Chapter.
