North Austin News

Lyn Estabrook's career in architecture and public service has seen her rise to the position of Deputy Chief of Planning and Development in the Department of Aviation. Her journey began after earning a degree in architecture, leading her to work on government buildings and airport concessions in Austin. Over time, she transitioned from private firms to public roles, eventually joining the City of Austin’s Building Services as a project manager in 2008.

Her career path took her through various departments, including Parks and Sustainability, where her dedication was noted. “When you work hard and do good work, people notice,” Lyn stated. Recently promoted within the aviation department, Lyn focuses on long-term planning for the airport amidst growing passenger numbers and flight traffic.

Austin's city-owned airport operates independently of taxpayer funding by generating revenue from businesses on campus. "We are a city-owned airport, but we make all of the money that we need on campus," Lyn explained. This self-sustaining model is essential as they adapt to larger aircraft and increased passenger loads.

Airport planning involves future-oriented thinking. "The planning team does a lot of future thinking," Lyn said, emphasizing their need to analyze trends and historical data for informed decision-making. The master plan guides expansion efforts but requires adaptation into detailed designs considering technical requirements.

Lyn described procurement as a thorough process involving collaboration with the city's purchasing office to ensure compliance with regulations. Teams submit extensive documents for evaluation by diverse panels before final negotiations commence.

Reflecting on her role, Lyn expressed enthusiasm for the dynamic nature of airports: “Airports are fun because they’re dynamic.” She encourages employees to explore different opportunities within the industry: “You can do anything here.”

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