The Civics Lab
The Civics Lab at St. Edward's University (Austin, TX) is a student and faculty collaborative podcast on civics life in America. We interview guests and discuss issues around the intersection of politics, economics, society, public policy, religion and other important issues to the civics life in the United States and Texas. Dr. David Thomason, on the faculty at St. Ed's, is the director of the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence and project manager of the Civics Lab. Students at St. Ed's produce, research and comment on the podcast. The Civics Lab team is led by St. Edward's University students Jacob Zivin, George Reyes, Charlie Mossberger, Paige Kennedy, Tori Fleming and Janie Herring. The podcast is brought to you by the Kozmetsky Center. Some of the podcasts are also funded by a Civics Engagement grant from Pi Sigma Alpha.
The Civics Lab
Public Goods and Urban Growth: Housing and Environmental Responsibility in Austin and Travis County
Description
The Civics Lab toured an abandoned Travis County landfill now slated for redevelopment into housing. We explore its history, a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against Travis County, and the developer’s push for county accountability. Guests include Ashika Ganguly Executive Director of Transit Forward, Luis Osta Lugo, Board Member for AURA, Corbin Graham, Principal at Graham Development, and attorney Jim Blackburn, discussing the environmental and political complexities of the landfill, Austin, and Travis County.
Date Recorded
Monday, July 14th, 2025
Music Credit
Artist: David Thomason
