Mayor-elect Kirk Watson will preside over the updated council dais, returning to the position more than 20 years after he resigned from the mayor's seat. Watson earned his return to City Hall—he was elected as mayor in 1997 and 2000—with a narrow victory over Celia Israel in December's runoff election; final results placed Watson ahead by just 942 votes, or 0.82%. Watson steps in for two-term Mayor Steve Adler.
Watson will be joined by three new members who also won their seats on the council dais in December runoffs.
José Velásquez was elected as District 3's next representative after beating Daniela Silva and will replace two-term Council Member Pio Renteria. In South Austin's District 5, Ryan Alter prevailed over Stephanie Bazan and will succeed two-term member Ann Kitchen. And in Central Austin in District 9, Zohaib "Zo" Qadri defeated Linda Guerrero and will fill three-term Council Member Kathie Tovo's seat.
In addition to the council newcomers, returning council members Natasha Harper-Madison and Paige Ellis will also be sworn in for their second terms Jan. 6. The incumbent District 1 and District 8 representatives both won their reelection contests in November.
Following the inauguration, the new council will convene to take on the first official business of the term: choosing a mayor pro tem. The largely ceremonial role is elected by the council to preside over meetings and carry out any other relevant duties in the mayor's absence.
The previous City Council took a unique approach to the mayor pro tem decision in early 2021 after some contention during the selection process. After deliberations over the representation of council districts in different geographic areas of Austin, officials eventually reached a compromise that saw Harper-Madison and District 10's Alison Alter split the duty between two one-year stints.
The inauguration ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. Jan. 6 in the council chambers at City Hall, located at 301 W. Second St. The event will also be available to view via ATXN and cable television channel 6.
