Kirk Watson

Built World

Opposed calling the bond election in 2026; after voters approved both propositions, said the city would deliver the projects.

Austin voters approved $295 million in bonds for parks and libraries on Nov. 3, according to unofficial final counts. Proposition A, with about 61% of the vote, provides $260 million for parks, pools and trails; Proposition B, at about 60%, provides $35 million for library buildings, including the Hampton at Oak Hill branch and a future Colony Park branch.

Updated Yesterday

Rule Changes

Directed Austin's police chief to draft revised general orders on ICE warrants

Houston police will no longer call federal immigration agents when they stop someone for a minor traffic violation. Mayor John Whitmire's Nov. 6 executive order, numbered 1-74, lets officers contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement only if the person is already going to jail on new charges or other warrants and a records check shows an administrative ICE warrant.

Updated 3 days ago

Rule Changes

Applauded voters' approval of the $295 million bond package

Austin voters approved $295 million in borrowing for parks and libraries on Nov. 3, according to unofficial results. They rejected Proposition I, which would have written a five-year independent audit requirement into the city charter.

Updated 6 days ago

Rule Changes

Opposed Prop I; passed competing ordinance

Austin voters rejected Proposition I 55% to 45%, according to unofficial results, defeating a charter amendment that would have required independent audits of city finances at least every five years and before any tax rate election.

Updated 7 days ago

Built World

Advocating for airport expansion to 30-35 million annual passengers

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport broke ground October 19 on the Utilities Infrastructure Campus-Wide project, the backbone of its Journey With AUS expansion program. The work adds stormwater trunk lines, backup power systems and telecommunications duct banks across the airport property.

Updated Oct 25

Rule Changes

Created the Task Force to Save Red River, which is led by Downtown Strategy Officer Jonathan Stone

Mayor Kirk Watson created a task force on Oct. 20 to keep Red River's music venues open, after the district's open letter drew thousands of signatures. Four businesses there have closed in the past year, and Valhalla says it will shut down this fall after its building sold.

Updated Oct 25

Built World

As of October 2026: Backed the Concourse M project at its groundbreaking

The Federal Aviation Administration has committed $90 million to build Concourse B at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the largest award in the five-year history of its Airport Terminal Program. The money funds phase two of the 860,810-square-foot midfield concourse, which will add 26 gates to an airport that has run over capacity for years.

Updated Oct 10