Kirk Watson

Latest : What's in Your Wallet? Early in the budget process, I asked the City Manager to show us what a budget would look like if we held property taxes at the “No New Revenue” rate—meaning no Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax increase and keeping the tax revenue to the city at what it was last year.

I wanted to have more discipline in budgeting and to daylight the inherent tension in meeting the community’s needs and also keeping Austin’s affordability top of mind. As part of good stewardship, I want Council and the public to see all the options—what services should go on the chopping block, how that affects quality of life, and how it all affects affordability.

A No New Revenue rate scenario results in a large and compounding budget shortfall that starts at $26.4 million this year and grows to $122 million by 2030.

The Manager’s current proposal doesn’t use the No New Revenue rate. He closes the initial $26.4 million funding shortfall through spending reductions, reallocations, and higher fees and M&O property taxes. He proposes using the “Voter Approval” tax rate. A city can raise property taxes to generate up to 3.5% more revenue than the previous year without an election. The Manager’s proposal would cost the average homeowner $346 more per year than the current tax bill or $29 per month.

I want us, as part of our discussions, to look specifically at what would need to be changed or cut if we didn’t go up to the Voter Approval rate.

Read more: https://bit.ly/BudgetWire1

Happy 4th of July! 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Our founders had hope in our promise as a nation.

For 250 years, that hope has been passed down in America from generation to generation. It led to great change and progress and success and innovation. And it's been a source of comfort in our nation’s darkest, most uncertain times.

Today, we gather as friends, as families, and as a community to reflect on our country’s history and celebrate the hope and happiness we have for our nation’s shared future.

Have a happy and healthy celebration and be safe tonight.

Latest . Let’s start with a simple proposition: while some things can be better and some things can do better, some things simply can’t look any better. For example, good old Bear.

Good government, however, should constantly ask a simple question: How can we do better? Throughout my public service, I’ve believed government shouldn’t be afraid to examine itself. In fact, it should insist on it.

Since being Mayor, I’ve encouraged and instigated audits and reviews of Austin’s government. In all these instances, we found ways to improve operations.

I've never viewed those efforts as admissions of failure. I've viewed them as a commitment to getting better.

That's why I'm excited about an important milestone we reached this week.

Following a national solicitation managed independently through Austin's City Auditor's Office, Public Works LLC is being recommended to conduct what will become the most comprehensive independent operational assessments ever undertaken by the City of Austin.

This isn't simply a search for accounting errors. And it isn't a consultant arriving with a list of predetermined conclusions.

It's a comprehensive examination of how Austin's government actually works. How do departments work together? Are we delivering services as effectively as we can? Are we using technology wisely? Are we buying goods and services in the smartest way? Are there unnecessary layers, duplication, or outdated practices? What are other successful cities doing that Austin should consider?

And just as importantly...What are we already doing well that we should continue doing?

Those are the kinds of questions that make organizations stronger.

Read more: https://bit.ly/AuditWire2

Pictured: Bear, a noble, arguably beautiful, beast.

The success of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is driven, in large part, by the thousands of dedicated airport workers who keep it running every day.

From TSA officers and CBP agents, to airline staff, concessions employees, maintenance crews, construction teams, and everything in between, airport workers play a critical role in connecting our traveling public to destinations around the world, driving economic growth, and shaping the future of this region through the Journey With AUS expansion program.

We see their hard work and commitment to our passengers and this City. I was proud to proclaim yesterday, June 25, 2026 as Airport Workers Day in Austin, Texas.

Latest : Nationally, young people aging out of foster care face significantly higher risks of homelessness, unemployment, poor health outcomes, and involvement with the criminal justice system. In Texas, those outcomes are often even worse.

This isn’t inevitable. We know who’s vulnerable. We know when they’re vulnerable. And we know what works.

I worked on these issues when I was in the Texas Senate because I was frustrated by the outcomes we were seeing. Too many young people were leaving foster care only to find themselves facing another crisis. We were investing effort and resources during childhood, then expecting success without providing the support necessary to make a successful transition into adulthood.

That's not a recipe for independence. It's a recipe for instability.

A stable place to live is one of the most important ingredients—arguably, the key ingredient--for a successful launch into adulthood. It's difficult to pursue an education, keep a job, maintain physical and mental health, or build a future when you're worried about where you'll sleep at night.

That's why programs like Foster Youth to Independence (FYI), a federal initiative launched during the first Trump Administration deserve attention and support. Today, it’s being championed by First Lady Melania Trump and HUD Secretary Scott Turner. The program helps communities provide housing assistance and supportive services to young people aging out of foster care before they experience homelessness.

The idea is simple: prevent homelessness rather than respond to it later.

That's better for young people and for our communities. It's also far less expensive than allowing preventable crises to occur and then trying to solve them after the damage is done.

Here in Austin and Travis County, we've been working on this challenge through a partnership that includes local government, housing providers, advocates, and organizations like LifeWorks. Together, they've developed a thoughtful roadmap for helping foster youth transition successfully into adulthood.

Read more: https://bit.ly/FYIwire