Good morning, Austin! It’s Election Day. You can vote anywhere in the county until 7 pm and as long as you’re in line by 7, you’ll be able to vote. To find your nearest location visit: Travis County: votetravis.com Williamson County: wilco.gov/elections Hays County: hayscountytx.gov/elections

Burger of the Day: All bark, no bull(dog) burger — comes with a sloppy kiss. Happy Howl-o-ween from this sweet old meathead.

I know it’s hard to believe but Election Day is just one week away! A lot of folks have worked very hard to get us where we are- and in celebration of their efforts, we’re gonna throw a party. So come on down and watch returns with us at the iconic El Arroyo, located at 1624 W 5th at 7:30 on November 5th!

Thanks to all who came out to canvass with @chitovela3 and I this afternoon before the big game! With just 17 days to go, you can sign up to help us out in the home stretch at kirkwatson.com.

Thanks to @KXAN_News for hosting our mayoral debate yesterday. When I came into office, we were stagnant in terms of making necessary changes so we could build more housing. We've put an emphasis on Affordability First by changing our land development code, lowering minimum lot sizes, allowing for transit-oriented development, fixing our permitting system, and establishing the Austin Infrastructure Academy to create more high paying careers. We've made great progress but have so much more to do. I would appreciate your support this November.

Two years ago, most people felt like City Hall was moving too slowly and inefficiently. Most people today feel like we’ve made real progress and we’re getting things done. Where city had stalled out [for affordability], we’re doing. 911 is now up to national standards.

“When I was mayor the first time, we created the first resource center for the homeless. We created the downtown Austin Community Court. It was the first time we put money into a women and children shelter. Now what we’re doing is fixing a broken system.”

“We need to invest in the entire continuum [of homelessness]. Prevention, rapid rehousing, emergency shelters.” -Mayor Kirk Watson

“I brought forward a resolution to keep the Marshalling Yard open, and advocates that work in the Homeless Services Departments.. came and pleaded with us to NOT close [the Marshalling Yard] so we would not be putting 300 people out on the street.” -Mayor Kirk Watson

“We made specific investments in a number of different things including more emergency shelter opportunities, including wraparound services for permanent housing, and including prevention areas. I’ve made the state make $65 million worth of investment in different programs.”

“I’ve worked very closely with the federal government [for] the two major transportation projects that ought to mesh together. That’s the airport and Project Connect and the rail line. I’ve convened the federal government and our professionals in Austin for financing mechanisms”

“We’ve had a very public process [for Project Connect]. That is what we need to continue to move forward on. I’ve fought successfully in the Texas legislature the past session to protect Project Connect, and we’ll do that again.” -Mayor Kirk Watson

“We’re back to a fundamental disagreement on what needs to happen… to have more housing. We’ve moved forward to get more housing to make the city more affordable. There’s some people that just fundamentally disagree with the actions needed to get it [more affordable].”

“Austin wasn’t moving forward until I was elected Mayor. That’s why I’ve been endorsed by groups like Aura and the Infill Coalition because they know we’re making those kind of changes. That’s also why I’ve been endorsed by our EMS professionals, our firefighters.” -Mayor Watson

“We’ve made affordability a first priority in the city, and we have instituted changes people didn’t think we were ever going to see. We’ve changed our land development code which hasn’t had changes since the mid 1980s.” -Mayor Kirk Watson

“22 months ago when I came into office, we were stagnant in the city of Austin in terms of making the kinds of changes we need in order to make more affordable housing stock. We’ve changed our land development code which hasn’t had changes since the mid 1980s.” -Mayor Kirk Watson

Hey, Mayor @kellygirtz! I heard the Georgia Bulldogs are coming into town to play the @TexasLonghorns. Let's make an ol' @SEC style bet. 🤘🤘🤘

Join Councilmember @chitovela3 and I for a blockwalk this Saturday at noon! If you’d like to come, please RSVP here: forms.gle/1rCRznaV52gc9TLb6

Watson Win no. 40: Thank you Black Austin Democrats!

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre changed a whole genre of film, inspiring a generation of filmmakers and cemented Austin as home of one of the most iconic films in cinematic history. It was a real treat (or horror) to proclaim October 11, 2024, the 50th anniversary of the film’s premiere as Texas Chainsaw Massacre Day. I even made a new friend.