Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Leffler.
Hi Ben, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a proud lifelong Austinite. My folks moved here in ’81 for my dad to go to UT, and they absolutely fell in love with the city. We didn’t have a lot of money, but my parents were able to buy a home and raise my three brothers and I because Austin was affordable. We grew up exploring the town on skateboards, bikes, and buses, and had no idea how lucky we were to grow up here or how Austin would develop into the global city it is today.
I went to public schools — Brentwood Elementary, Lamar Middle, McCallum High — and from a young age my parents emphasized the importance of giving back to our community. I always knew I’d go into public service in some way, so I majored in Government at UT and thought I might end up in law school.
After graduating, I dabbled in communications, tended bar (one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had) and decided I definitely did not want to be a lawyer. Instead, I went back to UT for a Masters in Public Affairs at the LBJ School. By that point I knew I wanted to work in public policy, and LBJ was the perfect gateway.
Since 2012, I’ve led teams delivering impactful solutions at the local, state, and federal level, helping millions of people access critical public services. I am currently the Chief of Staff for Austin City Council District 5, where I proudly serve each day. Beyond work, I spend time with my family and connect with my community through organizing, sports, mentorship, and advocacy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In my experience, no road worth taking is smooth or straight. The journey is just as important as the destination, and personal growth is a result of perseverance and overcoming obstacles along the way.
In 2014, I quit my first job at the City to travel across Southeast Asia with my girlfriend (now wife). After three amazing months, we came back to reality totally in love…and completely broke.
In 2015, I was forced into a career pivot when the City Councilmember I was working for lost his re-election.
And in 2022, I came up just short in my own campaign for local office. Each of these experiences was uncomfortable, difficult, and tremendously rewarding. You don’t really start to grow until you get out of your comfort zone.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As Chief of Staff for Austin City Council District 5, I serve the residents of Austin every day. My role is dynamic — I help our incredible staff tackle everything from trash collection to complicated policy challenges — and I’m always focused on making Austin more welcoming, affordable, and accessible for all. I’m extremely fortunate to have grown up here, and I believe everyone, no matter how much money they make, deserves the same opportunity. I’m proud to be a public servant and privileged to work for my community.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
When it comes to community building, the more people the merrier. Whoever you are and whatever you do, if you live in Austin you have a stake in our city’s success and ideas to bring to the table. You can find out more about getting involved with District 5 at https://www.austintexas.gov/department/district-5, and you can connect with me directly https://www.benleffler.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.benleffler.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atxbenleffler/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bleffler/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benleffler/
Image Credits
Adal Rivas (profile, in front of xmas tree)
Will Mederski (family, with dog, on Red River St.)
