Austin City Council Election 1988

The 1988 mayoral election, like that of 1985, resulted in a new mayor taking office, as Lee Cooke (who had served two terms as a council member 1977-1981) defeated incumbent Frank Cooksey.

Smoot Carl-Mitchell and Charles Urdy won reelection.

Robert Barnstone won election to an open position.

Also notable on the election ballot was Proposition 1, the fourth attempt to provide for geographic representation on the council. Like the last two previous plans, this one asked for voter approval of a nine-member council, of which eight members would be elected from council districts and the mayor at-large. The measure was defeated by nearly 10,000 votes, with 57 percent opposed.