Your nonpartisan guide to Austin city government. From the mayor's office to city council chambers, we cover the people, policies, and issues shaping Texas' capital city.
Kirk Watson is a lawyer, former Texas State Senator, and two-time Mayor of Austin. He first served as mayor from 1997 to 2001, where he earned recognition for his work on economic development and smart growth initiatives. After serving in the Texas Senate from 2007 to 2020 and briefly as Dean of the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, Watson returned to Austin politics.
Elected again in December 2022, Watson took office in January 2023 facing a city grappling with rapid growth, housing affordability challenges, and infrastructure needs. His administration has focused on homelessness solutions, public safety, and managing Austin's continued expansion while preserving its character.
Austin switched to a 10-1 council system in 2014 after voters approved geographic representation. Previously, all council members were elected citywide. Now, 10 council members each represent a geographic district, and the mayor is elected citywide. The City Manager, appointed by the council, runs day-to-day city operations.
Council meetings are held on Thursdays at Austin City Hall (301 W. 2nd Street), typically at 10:00 AM. Meetings are open to the public and streamed live on ATXN, the city's public access channel. Citizens can sign up to speak during public comment periods on agenda items.
Austin's rapid growth has driven housing costs to historic levels. The city has pursued land use reform through initiatives like CodeNEXT (later HOME), aiming to increase housing density and reduce barriers to building. Zoning reform, ADU expansion, and affordable housing bonds remain central to the debate.
Project Connect, approved by voters in 2020, is Austin's $7.1 billion transit plan that includes light rail, expanded bus service, and a downtown tunnel. Meanwhile, the I-35 expansion through central Austin is one of the largest highway projects in Texas history, reshaping the city's core.
Austin's approach to homelessness has been politically contentious. The 2021 passage of Proposition B reinstated the public camping ban. The HEAL (Housing-Focused Encampment Assistance Link) initiative works to connect people with services and housing. The issue remains a top concern for residents.
Austin is a major tech hub, home to Tesla's Gigafactory, Samsung's chip fabrication plant, Apple's second-largest campus, and thousands of startups. Managing growth, attracting talent, and ensuring workforce development opportunities for all residents are ongoing priorities.
Central Texas is prone to drought, and Austin's water supply depends on the Highland Lakes system. Stage water restrictions, conservation mandates, and long-term water planning are critical issues as the city's population continues to grow and climate patterns shift.
The Austin Police Department has faced significant staffing challenges, with officer counts falling well below authorized levels. Response times, training academy capacity, and the balance between public safety and police accountability are active areas of policy discussion.
Austin's identity as the "Live Music Capital of the World" faces pressure from rising rents, noise complaints from new development, and venue closures. The city has created programs like the Music Venue Preservation Fund and appointed a Music Officer to help protect its cultural heritage.
Council meets Thursdays at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street. Meetings are open to the public. Watch live on ATXN or attend in person. Agendas are posted in advance on the city website.
Citizens can sign up to speak at council meetings on agenda or non-agenda items. Speakers typically get three minutes. Sign up in person at City Hall or through the City Clerk's office.
Austin has dozens of registered neighborhood associations that give residents a collective voice on local development, zoning, and quality-of-life issues. Find yours through the city's Neighborhood Services.
Travis County voter registration is available through the Travis County Elections Office. You must register at least 30 days before an election. Austin elections are held in November of odd-numbered years.
Austin frequently puts bond packages, charter amendments, and policy propositions on the ballot. Stay informed about upcoming propositions through the city's official election pages and local nonpartisan voter guides.
The city appoints residents to dozens of boards and commissions covering topics from planning and zoning to parks, music, and ethics. Applications are accepted through the City Clerk.
Austin holds city elections in November of odd-numbered years. The next mayoral election will be in November 2026.
If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in the general election, the top two vote-getters advance to a December runoff election.
Austin's mayor and council members are limited to two consecutive four-year terms. After sitting out, they may run again (as Kirk Watson did).
Austin city elections are officially nonpartisan. No party affiliations appear on the ballot, though candidates may be endorsed by parties or organizations.
AustinMayor.com was first registered in 2003 and has been part of the web through multiple administrations. The Wayback Machine preserves snapshots of the site through the years.