Keynote Speaker in Austin, TX
Former Mayor · First Liberian-American mayor in U.S. history
Civic-technology and policy convenings — the resident-led environmental justice fight and community-benefits-agreement work fit Austin's intersection of technology, organizing, and city government.
Direct flights from MSP.
Mike Elliott speaks on leading through crisis, community-centered public safety, environmental justice, pandemic leadership, and the refugee experience — told by the mayor who lived it, with the honest ledger intact.
Talks that fit Austin
When the Highway Comes for Your Neighborhood
How a mayor put residents in charge of fighting a six-lane freeway expansion — and how their research helped defeat a state agency's environmental assessment.
Giving Residents a Seat at the Table
How a mayor put community voice at the center of the largest proposed development in his city's history — a site discussed for over a decade — and delivered a community benefits agreement.
Reimagining Public Safety
Inside the Community Safety & Violence Prevention Act — what it took to pass landmark reform, what implementation actually looks like, and the honest lessons for cities trying to build safety beyond policing.
Leading Through Crisis
72 hours that tested a city: command decisions, community trust, and leading under national scrutiny after the killing of Daunte Wright.
Booking in Austin — common questions
How far ahead should we book a keynote in Austin?
Three to six months is typical for conference keynotes; municipal and community events can often be scheduled sooner. Commencement season (April–June) books earliest.
Does Mike Elliott charge travel fees?
Travel is billed at cost from Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) — flights, hotel, and ground transport. Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro events carry no travel costs; mission-aligned community rates are available.
Can the talk be tailored to our city or organization?
Yes — every talk is tailored. Local references, your audience's specific questions, and format (keynote, panel, workshop, commencement) are worked out in a pre-event call.
Is a virtual or hybrid format available?
Yes — all talks can be delivered virtually to Austin audiences or hybrid with an in-person room.
Book Mike for your Austin event
Mention your Austin event in the request — date, venue, audience size, and format all help him tailor the talk.