April 29, 2025
Jose “Chito” Vela was born in Laredo, Texas and has deep family roots there. In 1992, he moved to Austin, Texas to study at The University of Texas at Austin. He obtained his BA in History, MA in Public Affairs, and JD from the University of Texas at Austin.
Before election to Austin City Council, Chito worked as an Immigration and Criminal Defense Lawyer at Walker Gates Vela. He has always been a passionate community advocate, especially for immigrants and working-class families.
Chito formerly served as President of the Blanton Elementary PTA, where his children attended. He is also a former Board Chair of the Workers Defense Project.
Over the last three years, Chito has been a dedicated Austin City Council Member representing District 4. With a focus on housing, transit, and equity, Chito strives to improve the lives of his constituents.
Chito believes we all have a responsibility to give back to our community. As a Community Champion, he advocates for the needs of older Central Texans and has supported them in delivering hot, nutritious lunches and vital safety checks to their homes.
On April 29, Chito joined us at Meals on Wheels Central Texas where we proudly presented him with a Certificate of Recognition. Chito also volunteered on a meal delivery route, where he witnessed The Power of the Knock in action.
Thank you, Chito, for your commitment to older adults across Central Texas. You can connect with Chito on Instagram (@chitovela3), X (@chitovela3), LinkedIn (Chito Vela III) or on Facebook.
Our Community Champions initiative seeks to bring awareness to the needs of older adults in Central Texas and to raise support for the services they depend on that help them remain independent with dignity. Older adults need our support now more than ever!
You can be a Champion and bring hope to our homebound neighbors in need at a time when they critically need it. Join us in sharing a message of advocacy, do lunch with us, or kindly make a gift to help keep our Meals firmly on Wheels.