Kirk Watson
About
Mayor Kirk Watson's platform appears to focus on increasing transparency through measures like performance audits. He also engages with key issues such as tax propositions and affordability, indicating a concern for the financial well-being of the city and its residents.
Campaign promises (2)
- transparencyPushed for a citywide performance audit ordinance.
- taxesSpoke on tax propositions and affordability.Related votes
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 43
- Total speaking time
- 15:30:59
- Avg per meeting
- 21:39
- Segments
- 17288
Want every word Watson has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Watson said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (11)(Budget)
AHFC Annual Budget Adoption
Allocates over $90 million across grant operating, housing assistance, and capital budgets.
Social Service Contract Restructuring
Funding allocations will be discussed as part of ongoing social service program compliance and strategy.
2026 Bond Election
Covered within existing City Clerk operating budgets for the election cycle.
AHFC Annual Budget Adoption
Allocates over $90 million across grant operating, housing assistance, and capital budgets.
FY 2026-27 Budget Deficit
The budget includes an 8.3% property tax rate increase to balance the general fund.
Federal Funding and Legislative Updates
The city will receive federal funds but must provide a local match of over $96,000 for flood-related expenses.
FY 2026-27 Budget Deficit
The budget includes an 8.3% property tax rate increase to balance the general fund.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Funding
The contract will increase by $1,419,448, with a new total not to exceed $2,838,896.
cultural funding
Minimal revenue for the city ($100 annually) from the lease.
air taxi regulation
It's too soon to tell if this will cost us more or bring in new money, but it could change how we get around and maybe even boost local business.
small business funding
Local businesses will get easier access to capital and grants to help them expand and hire.
Decisions during term (39)
Recorded while Watson was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Approve a settlement in Brandon Yett, Runshay Yett, and Unique Shankin as next friend of Tru Harvey, a minor v. City of Austin, Cause No. D-1-GN-25-001421. Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Water.
Approve an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Parks and Recreation Department Capital Budget (Ordinance No. 20250813-005) to accept and appropriate $1,000,000 in grant funds from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Local…
Approve an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Austin Public Health Department Operating Budget Special Revenue Fund (Ordinance No. 20250813-005) to accept and appropriate $42,000 in additional grant funds from the National…
Approve a resolution authorizing the expenditure of $25,000 from Mayor Kirk Watson’s office operating budget for use by Austin Parks and Recreation to match the funds received from the RCX Sports Foundation’s MLS GO PLAY FUND - NRPA Grant…
Adopt FY 2026-2027 Operating Budget
Approve FY 2026-2027 Grant Operating and Housing Assistance Fund Budgets
Approve FY 2026-2027 Capital Budget
FY 2026-2027 Grant Operating and Housing Assistance Budgets
FY 2026-2027 Capital Budget
Adopt FY 2026-2027 Operating Budget
Staff-Recommended Budget Amendments
Mueller LGC Minutes and Operating Budget
FY 2026-27 City Budget (Item 7)
Grant Operating and Housing Assistance Fund Budget Adoption
Capital Budget Adoption
Set Budget Public Hearing for July 30, 2026
Approve an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Austin Financial Services Capital Budget (Ordinance No. 20250813-005) to increase appropriations by $1,079,193 available from the land sale proceeds at the St. John Site located at…
Authorize a contract to replace condenser water pumps for Austin Energy with Flintco, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $5,028,323. Funding: $5,028,323 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy.
Approve an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Austin Police Department Operating Budget Special Revenue Fund (Ordinance No. 20250813-005) to accept and appropriate $25,000 in grant funds from the Texas Department of…
Ratify a contract for electric system restoration services for Austin Energy with Collective Strategic Resources, LLC d/b/a Collective Strategic Resources, in the amount of $95,000. Funding: $95,000 was available in the Operating Budget of…
Voting record (0)(Budget)
No votes found matching Budget.