Austin native Jon Erichson served the City of Austin as Assistant City Engineer from 1979-1992 and as City Engineer and Public Works Director from 1992-2013. During that time, he developed and oversaw the comprehensive flood mitigation program that undertook to resolve Austin's chronic flooding problem, and he was instrumental in creating the Cedar River Watershed District. His impact on community infrastructure included expansion of the Austin Municipal Airport, annexation agreements with Austin and Lansing Townships, and development of Austin's comprehensive trail system. He was also active in community organizations such as the United Way and Austin youth athletics.