Kirk Watson

Mayor Kirk Watson returned to Austin City Hall in 2023 after serving for 13 years in the Texas Senate. First elected Mayor of Austin in 1997, Watson has focused on tackling big challenges throughout his public service and led community efforts on transformative health, environmental and economic development initiatives — including the creation of medical school at the University of Texas at Austin. Watson’s current priorities include issues such as affordability, transportation, public safety and homelessness.