The City of Austin is the municipal government serving the capital city of Texas and the administrative headquarters of Travis County. Established in 1839, it provides comprehensive public services to a population exceeding 960,000 residents, as recorded in the 2020 census. Its workforce comprises over 10,000 employees operating across numerous city departments.
As an entity in municipal government and public administration, the city's operations are guided by core principles of Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity. Its stated commitments include sustainability, innovation, and open data.
Austin is widely known as the 'Live Music Capital of the World,' a designation that reflects its significant cultural identity. The city's character is also associated with the unofficial motto 'Keep Austin Weird.' These cultural elements form a distinct part of the civic environment.