Barbara Jordan Masterclass with Ann Howard (MPAff '88 )

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit in a classroom guided by the inspiring Barbara Jordan? Well, here’s your chance! Join us for a unique educational experience where Commissioner Ann Howard (MPAff '1988) will lead a class using Barbara Jordan’s original syllabus, bringing the wisdom and passion of this legendary figure to life.

This isn’t just a lecture; it’s an opportunity to engage with Barbara Jordan’s teachings firsthand, discuss their relevance in our world, and dive into the core themes and lessons that Barbara championed, exploring her impact on society and how her values resonate today.

This class promises to be an in-depth exploration of her teaching legacy. So come, and celebrate the power of education and the enduring spirit of Barbara Jordan with us.

Ann Howard, standing proud by the Barbara Jordan statue on the UT Campus, was sworn in as the County Commissioner for Precinct 3 on January 1, 2021. Ann likes to say that she is “the UT Commissioner,” as her precinct includes the entirety of the University of Texas main and west campus areas, and from downtown Austin to Briarcliff, out west on SH 71, and Jonestown on RM1431, including neighborhoods of Westlake, Rollingwood, Circle C, and Lakeway.

Commissioner Ann is said to be everywhere, meeting constituents to address difficult situations and celebrate community accomplishments. Ann often speaks on the need for smarter development, taking into consideration access to water, impact on roads, and safety.

Ann ran unopposed in 2024 for election to her second term.

Commissioner Ann’s first four years include successes and challenges. Ann has helped to increase public investment in land management and development services, wildfire prevention, mental health treatment, supportive housing, and roads. Ann also dedicated many hours to the successful 2023 bond initiative, which raised $509 million to improve roads, add sidewalks, and expand land acquisition for parks and water conservation. Already, the County has purchased nearly 2,000 acres of parkland.

Her terms as Commissioner have included COVID, the Opioid Overdose crisis, the Sandy Creek July 4th Flood, and extreme hot and cold weather disasters. Improving how the County responds to Emergencies has been front and center for her administration. She began serving on the Emergency Services Subcommittee as soon as she took office.

In 2025, the first year of her second term included successes such as launching a newly branded and voter-approved childcare fund program, “Raising Travis County”. The Program aims to reduce the childcare waitlist and improve care quality countywide through deep investments in our childcare ecosystem. In its first year, ” Raising Travis County” has funded $21 million in additional childcare scholarships, $17M in youth development and early childhood programs, and in December released a $9M Request for Services for out-of-school time programs. Commissioner Ann has also provided leadership for the Supportive Housing Initiative Pipeline (SHIP). Travis County, in collaboration with the City of Austin, nonprofit partners, and local housing authorities, funded a total of $117M for 11 developments producing 2,100+ units that will include on-site wraparound social services for residents. Ann also works diligently on transformative Justice System issues such as Council at First Appearance (CAFA) and Crisis Care Diversion.

CAMPO is the metropolitan planning organization federally required throughout the Country in areas with a population of 50,000 or more. They are required to produce a 20 –plus-year Regional Transportation Plan and a four-year planning document called the Transportation Improvement Program. Ann has served on CAMPO’s Transportation Policy Board since first taking office as a Commissioner. This Policy Board is the body that makes decisions on CAMPO policy and decides how CAMPO funding is allocated. Ann also serves as a Travis County Representative on CAPCOG's Executive Committee . CAPCOG is an advocate, planner, and coordinator for important regional issues in the ten-county Capital Area.

Commissioner Ann wants every child who grows up in Travis County to have the opportunity to live in a safe and healthy environment. She works daily on policy, including water issues, that will help make this possible for future generations.

Ann is a graduate of UT Law and LBJ Schools and a former attorney on the US Senate Judiciary Committee. The Commissioner was recently recognized by the Travis County Women Lawyers Association as a Pathfinder. Yearly, the association selects “Pathfinders,” local women with law degrees who are using, or have used, their degrees in a variety of ways to impact our community and the legal profession. Ann and her husband are life-time members of the Texas Exes, members of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, and now, grandparents to Addison, Jack, and Clementine.

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