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Austin proclaims Hispanic Heritage Month; leaders emphasize culture, economic contribution and civic unity
Summary
City Council proclaimed Sept. 15–Oct. 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Austin. Officials and community leaders celebrated Latino contributions to culture, business and civic life while cautioning against xenophobic rhetoric at the national level.
Austin City Council on Sept. 25 read a proclamation designating Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month and hosted remarks from Latino community leaders emphasizing cultural contributions, economic impact and civic solidarity.
Council member José Velázquez led the proclamation, saying the Latino community “has had an undeniable impact on our city, our country, and our world.” He cited demographic and economic figures included in the proclamation text, noting that Latinos comprise about 33% of Austin’s population and highlighted national economic contributions attributed to Latino communities.
JR Gonzalez of the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce urged pride and unity, saying, “I've been Hispanic all my life and prepared,” and called on community leaders to speak up against discriminatory rhetoric. Paul Saldaña, a native Austinite and speaker at the event, cited economic figures in support of Latino entrepreneurship and spending power in Central Texas.
The proclamation text also names local Latino organizations such as LULAC, ABLA, DMACC and the Austin Raza Roundtable and expresses opposition to xenophobic political rhetoric and discriminatory immigration enforcement practices at the federal level. Council members and community leaders encouraged celebration of culture throughout the month and sustained advocacy for civil rights and economic opportunity.
The presentation was ceremonial; no council vote or new policy was adopted during the event.
