A middle-aged woman with short white hair and glasses, wearing a blue necklace, a white top, and a blue blazer, smiling at the camera.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future.

Proven Leadership. Real Results.

I’m running for re-election in 2026 because the work isn’t done. Climate change remains the greatest threat of our time, and with your help, we can continue building a cleaner, safer, and more just future for all.

Issues

When I first ran for Travis County Commissioner, it was because our community wasn’t doing enough to confront climate change and protect working families. Together, we’ve made award-winning progress by cutting greenhouse gas pollution, saving millions of gallons of water, creating affordable housing, and improving emergency preparedness for everyone.

A woman with white hair, glasses, and a blue textured jacket is speaking into a microphone and gesturing with her left hand. She is standing in front of a banner with the words 'BRIGID SHEA' and 'DEMOCRAT FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER.' The background shows a painted mural of mountains and people sitting at a table outdoors.

About Brigid

Brigid Shea has spent more than three decades fighting for fairness, environmental protection, and good government. She came to Austin in 1988 to help launch Texas Clean Water Action, a statewide campaign to stop toxic waste dumping in poor and minority neighborhoods and protect water quality. She also led the historic Save Our Springs (SOS) campaign to protect Barton Springs in 1992.

Four women standing outdoors, engaging in conversation, with trees and parked cars in the background, during daytime. One woman is speaking to three others.

as an austin city council member, brigid:

  • Passed Austin’s first domestic partner benefits policy, the first in Texas

  • Helped create Texas’s first wind energy project

  • Wrote the city’s first campaign finance reform law

An elderly woman and two young girls sitting on a park bench, engaging in conversation. The scene is outdoors with trees and a sunny, clear day.

Since 2015, Brigid has served as Travis County Commissioner for Precinct 2, where she’s become a national leader on climate resilience, equity, and innovation.

Awards & Recognition

Awards & Recognition

2024

NACo Climate
Resilience Award

Water Conservation via Purple Pipe Reclaimed Water (Category: County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy, and Sustainability)

2020 — Present

U.S. Chair, Local Governments
for Sustainability

Recognized Leadership in sustainability and climate action, Re-elected as Board Chair in 2024.

2023

NACo adaptive
workplace Award

Remote Policy (Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training)

2022

warn central
texas Award

(Category: Risk and Emergency Management)

2019

NACo
Award

Emergency Notifications Increased Reach

2020

National Association of Counties
Best in Category Award

Neighborhood Wildfire Drill (Category: Risk and Emergency Management)

Issues

Issues

  • Climate Leadership

    • Replaced treated water for AC systems with reclaimed water, saving 45 million gallons per year.

    • Created Neighborhood Wildfire Drills to prepare communities for evacuation.

    • Modernized emergency alerts to reach 70% of residents.

    • Reduced 5,500 tons of CO2 annually through telecommuting.

    • Leading transition to all electric county fleet.

  • Affordable Housing

    • Helped create 13,500 affordable housing units, two-thirds deeply affordable.

    • Allocated $110M for housing and homelessness solutions from Biden Covid relief funds.

    • Partnered with developers to buy down rent and ensure long-term affordability.

  • Criminal Justice Reform

    • Established Travis County’s first Public Defender’s Office.

    • Co-created the Sobering Center for treatment instead of jail.

    • Piloted a mental health diversion initiative.

  • Workers & Fair Pay

    • Secured annual raises for county employees.

    • Created paid family and medical leave.

    • Enforced living wage and prevailing wage standards.

    • Opposed privatization of public services.

    • Partnered with AFSCME and CWA for worker advocacy.

    • Pushed for more Frontline workers on the county’s compensation committee

  • Equity & Opportunity

    • Prioritized diversity and inclusion in county hiring and contracting.

    • Required hire local provisions in development deals.

    • Advocated racial equity in schools.

    • Funded Family Resource Centers and Capital IDEA college programs.

  • Education & Work Force

    • Supported AISD schools and fought closures in East Austin.

    • Generated millions from public school lands through renewable energy leases.

    • Advocated free community college and apprenticeship programs.

  • Healthcare & Social Services

    • Supports Medicaid expansion and Medicare for All.

    • Expanded EMS coverage in Travis County.

    • Passed paid parental leave.

    • Invested in food security and childcare programs.

Join Brigid in building a stronger Travis County.

We’ve made real progress in reducing pollution, conserving water, and improving lives, but there’s still much more to do. Brigid believes local government can lead on the biggest challenges of our time, protecting our planet, ensuring justice, and creating opportunity for everyone.