In an election conducted on December 5, 1959, the voters of Austin elected to create an Urban Renewal Agency to carry out Urban Renewal project powers in accordance with Chapter 374 of the Texas Local Government Code (Urban Renewal in Municipalities). The Board of Commissioners of the Urban Renewal Agency, who are appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the Council, primary responsibility is to oversee the implementation and compliance of approved Urban Renewal Plans that are adopted by the Austin City Council. An Urban Renewal Plan's primary purpose is to eliminate slum and blighting influence within a designated area of the city.