Leander City Council Member David McDonald Delivers Historic Wins for First Responders and Families
First elected to the Leander City Council in 2022, David McDonald has kept his promise to support first responders and improve quality of life for Leander families. Drawing from his common-sense leadership style shaped by service in the United States Marines Corps and a decorated career in law enforcement with the Austin Police Department spanning over two decades, he has worked to deliver results that will benefit the community and future generations.
In his first year on Council, David identified two priorities: supporting first responders and tackling traffic challenges. He acted quickly by using his experience as a statewide traffic coordinator for the Texas Department of Transportation to recommend the creation of a Capital Improvement Project Subcommittee, which allows Leander to evaluate and prioritize road improvements, parks, water infrastructure, and other critical projects with the potential to leverage state and federal funding. The Capital Improvement Program, passed unanimously by Council, is a major step forward in alleviating traffic congestion and improving quality of life.
David has also worked tirelessly to support Leander’s police officers, firefighters, and their families. Recognizing low morale, low pay, and high turnover relative to neighboring cities, he became the Council’s subject-matter expert on first responder issues. He also continues to show up—whether at new hire or promotion ceremonies, National Night Out, or after a park officer was shot—to show that Leander stands with its first responders.
A respected leader and with a reputation of working collaboratively and getting things done, David has helped to achieve key victories including:
Establishing the Leander Police Department’s Meet and Confer Agreement – Approved by Council, ensuring stronger representation and better working conditions for officers.
Establishing Civil Service for the Leander Fire Department – Passed with overwhelming support after David advocated its benefits to voters.
First Responder Pay Raises – Following a pay scale study in 2025, David supported raises for Leander police officers and firefighters, ensuring competitive pay to aid retention.
“The men and women working at our city’s police and fire departments put everything on the line to protect our families. It’s our responsibility to make sure they are supported, respected, and fairly compensated,” said McDonald. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, but this is just the beginning. Williamson County continues to see explosive growth, and we must continue to invest in safety and infrastructure.”
Whether diffusing dangerous situations as an Austin Police officer, serving in Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War as a Marine, or negotiating at City Hall, he has built a reputation for steady judgment and common-sense results.
As Williamson County’s next Commissioner for Precinct 2, David will continue to deliver wins for first responders and families.
As he often says: “Let’s get to work. Let the people be heard. And let’s keep Texas, Texas.”
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