Council proclaims Deborah R. Duncan Day after 35 years in Austin Public Health

Council Member Natasha Harper Madison introduced a proclamation on March 12 honoring Deborah Duncan for 35 years of service to Austin Public Health and highlighted Duncan’s work strengthening community‑based health programs and partnerships.

"For the last 35 years, you have been a steady light in public service," Madison said, praising Duncan’s leadership through public‑health crises such as the winter storm and the COVID pandemic. Madison said Duncan "strengthened partnerships, raised awareness about health disparities, and worked tirelessly to ensure that critical services remained accessible for those who needed it the most."

Deborah Duncan accepted the recognition and summarized her experience: "I have truly enjoyed being a part of Austin Public Health for 35 years... Please make sure that your community gets what they need," she said, thanking managers, supervisors and colleagues.

A colleague described Duncan as a "legend" who made a difference across neighborhood centers and programs, and the city manager read a distinguished service award recognizing her untiring commitment to the Austin and Travis County community during her tenure. Council Member Madison and the mayor joined in proclaiming March 12, 2026 as Deborah R. Duncan Day.

Speakers emphasized Duncan’s mentoring, program building and community partnerships as the foundation of her public‑health work. The presentation was ceremonial and included remarks, an award reading and photos; no policy actions or votes were recorded.