Steve Adler

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is urging the Senate to approve voting rights legislation to override new restrictions imposed by Texas and other Republican-led states.

In his address to Austinites on Monday, the mayor touched on housing, policing and transportation issues. KUT reporters fact-checked some of his more notable comments.

"The state of our city is so strong," Austin Mayor Steve Adler said during the 2021 State of the City Address. "At the same time, however, our sense of community is at risk."

Las nuevas reglas desafían una orden ejecutiva por parte del gobernador del estado Greg Abbott, la cual prohíbe que los gobiernos locales requieran el uso de cubrebocas.

The rules defy an executive order issued by Gov. Greg Abbott, which prohibits municipalities from requiring people to wear masks. They go into effect at midnight.

Mayor Steve Adler said Austin is especially interested in improving transportation infrastructure and measures like increasing access to public transit.

The city is limited by an executive order Gov. Greg Abbott issued in April that prohibits government entities and state agencies from requiring individuals to provide proof of vaccination.

A judge turned down Attorney General Ken Paxton's request to put an immediate stop to the local mask mandate. The ruling allows the order from Austin Public Health requiring mask-wearing in public places and businesses to continue being enforced.

Local officials are urging people to continue wearing face masks after Gov. Greg Abbott announced he's lifting the statewide mandate.

Gov. Abbott is calling for a statewide ban on camping in public places, and a GOP-backed group wants to put the ordinances on the ballot.