Four new faces — a mayor and three councilors — officially joined the Austin City Council on Friday night, potentially changing how the city’s top governing body will tackle tough issues like accessibility, homelessness and transportation.
During a ceremony at City Hall, Kirk Watson was sworn in as mayor, and José Velasquez, Ryan Alter, and Zohaib “Zo” Kadri were sworn in as councilors for districts 3, 5, and 9, respectively. District 1’s Natasha Harper-Madison and District 8’s Paige Ellis, re-elected in November, were sworn in for a second term.
In his first address to the city as mayor, Watson focused on unity and activism as the council works to address the challenges facing the city.
“Right now, I’m very excited about finding ways to work together next year and beyond,” Watson said. “In fact, the more the world around us is mired in division and inactivity, the more I think we in Austin have a responsibility to come together and do something for this city that we all love.”
More:‘Find unity’: New Austin Mayor Kirk Watson says he’s taking office on an emergency basis
Here are some key takeaways from Watson’s speech and swearing-in ceremony:
“Like deja vu all over again”
Quoting New York Yankees Hall of Famer Yogi Burr, Watson joked that becoming mayor of Austin “seems like déjà vu all over again.”
That’s because Watson was sworn in as mayor for the third time on Friday. He served as mayor in 1997 and was re-elected in 2000 before resigning in 2001 to run for the Texas Senate.
“As some of you know, this is the third time I’ve been sworn in as mayor of Austin – with roughly 20 years between terms,” he said Friday. “While this moment is really familiar, at the same time I have to tell you – I can see very clearly the world we live in and how very different it is from anything we have experienced before.”
Watson will be elected to a two-year term after Austin voters decided in November 2021 to tie the mayoral race to a presidential election.
More:When he leaves office, Austin Mayor Steve Adler is accused of violating ethics.
“Journey to Public Service Together‘
Friday marked two years since the attack on the US Capitol on January 6th. Watson acknowledged on Friday that while this is a reminder of deep political divisions, it should be a reminder that when the council embarks on a joint public service journey, they will do so as one body.
“When the races are over, the work must begin,” Watson is sad. “And this work requires – I think now more than ever – that we do our best to find and find common ground and, ultimately, share a common vision for our future together.”
He said, “I believe with all my heart that we can do just that.”
History of Austin
Over the city’s 185-year history, Watson says, Austin’s history has been one of constant growth and change.
According to him, Austin can be described as caring and compassionate, a place that is open, tolerant, inclusive and fair. But it’s all under threat, he said.
Austin’s population has increased by more than 21% since 2010, putting pressure on housing and roads and impacting affordability, according to the US Census Bureau. A number of longtime businesses have closed in recent years as owners have struggled to keep up with rising costs, and many families have been forced to travel to the outskirts of Austin in search of good schools and affordable housing while continuing to commute to Austin for work.
“There is a strong feeling throughout the city right now that we need to change direction before we permanently lose some of the things that make our home special,” Watson said. “I’ve said it before and now I’ll say it again – for many of our neighbors this is an emergency.”
Watson said the city must find ways to better address issues of accessibility, homelessness, policing, transportation, transparency and accountability.
“So obviously the big question is how?” Watson said.
More:Austin is “in a winning position” to continue to grow as a technology hub, according to industry experts.
Active collaboration
Watson said there are no guarantees as to how the next chapters of Austin’s story may unfold, and he is going to make a commitment to actively work together and take nothing for granted to pave the way forward and keep the great things in Austin.
“And, of course, at this point, we are required to act with a new sense of urgency — that we force ourselves in City Hall to move at least as fast as the rest of Austin,” Watson said.
On the campaign trail, Watson used his ability to promote unity to move forward on some of the city’s most pressing issues, such as affordable housing and homelessness.
“Let’s invest in our shared priorities, but make sure every dollar counts. Let’s go the extra mile when we can, but after we make sure the basics are covered,” Watson said. “Let’s make progress right now, not waiting for perfection. Let’s change direction in the way the people of Austin want, but not create unforeseen consequences that can be avoided with thoughtful planning. Above all, let’s do good by simply doing better.”
Mayor’s choice temporarily
After each of the council members was sworn in, the council then held a vote to elect a mayor pro tempore, a position that exercises the mayor’s powers in the event of absence, disability, or vacancy.
Alison Alter previously played the role. On Friday, the council voted for council member Paige Ellis to serve in the position until December 2023. Councilor Leslie Poole will then take up the position from January 2024 until the next election for the position.
“It’s unreal to be here‘
Newly elected council members and second-term incumbents also spoke Friday and thanked the mentors, family and community for their support, vowing to begin addressing some of Austin’s toughest challenges.
Ellis thanked her supporters, saying she was honored to “reaffirm her commitment to serving my community.”
“My team will take on the challenges ahead with a sense of work ethic and constant optimism,” Ellis said.
Harper-Madison said she is “incredibly proud to continue to represent my hometown” and that she and her colleagues are ready to work together on housing and transportation.
Velázquez joked about the last time he was at City Hall when he received a public service award from Watson during his first tenure as mayor, saying it was unrealistic to be elevated as an elected member of the council.
“It’s surreal to be here serving my hometown,” Velasquez said. “My whole life has been devoted to service, and all I ever wanted was to serve my hometown.”
Alter, who worked with Watson in his Senate office, said he was thrilled to finally be able to work with his colleagues and represent District 5 residents.
“I am honored that you have trusted me with your opinion on issues that directly affect your neighborhood, family and community,” Alter said. I am ready to work for you.
Qadri shared his gratitude and commitment to serving District 9, saying it was made possible with the support of his team and community.
“They saw a city suffering from a housing crisis,” he said. “They saw a city that not everyone succeeded in, and gathered together with the labor of love and worked and worked. You made it possible.”
