Kirk Watson is the Mayor of Austin, Texas, serving his third non-consecutive term from January 6, 2023, to January 6, 2029. A Democrat, he previously represented Texas Senate District 14 from 2007 to 2020. Born on March 18, 1958, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, he resides in Austin with his wife Liz and two children, Preston and Cooper. Watson has over three decades of experience in Texas public policy, including roles in local and state government, and is noted for bipartisan achievements in environmental protection, economic development, education, healthcare, and government transparency.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: BA from Baylor University ; JD from Baylor University School of Law .
• Early Career: Appointed Chair of the Texas Air Control Board by Gov. Ann Richards ; Vice-Chair of the committee creating the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission.
• *Mayor of Austin *: Championed the Clean Air Compact for regional air quality, land preservation in the Texas Hill Country, and securing the city's water supply; praised for uniting political factions on environmental and economic initiatives.
• *Texas Senate *: Led creation of Dell Medical School at UT Austin; served on committees including Business and Commerce, Economic Development, and Nominations ; elected President Pro Tempore in 2019.
• Other Roles: Founding Dean, Hobby School of Public Affairs at University of Houston; Partner/Of Counsel at Husch Blackwell; former Chair of Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Stabilized Austin city operations since 2023, improving 911 response times, site plan reviews, homeless services, and securing a police labor contract with oversight.
• Authored Austin Unlimited, chronicling Austin's economic evolution; multiple Texas Monthly recognitions as a top legislator.
• Current: Board of Directors, Livestrong Foundation; involved with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.