Building Bridges: Mayor Kirk Watson on Austin’s Infrastructure and Affordability

In this episode, host Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, speaks with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. Tamara and the Mayor delve into how Austin’s city leaders are prioritizing affordability to empower local residents and foster economic security. The Austin Infrastructure Academy - a groundbreaking initiative approved by the Austin City Council in early March 2024 - takes center stage, aimed at enhancing workforce development in Austin's burgeoning mobility and infrastructure sectors. This academy integrates recruitment, training, and wraparound services to support job seekers effectively. Additionally, conversation explores efforts to expand childcare availability to bridge workforce supply gaps and highlights collaborative community strategies tackling broader regional workforce challenges. Join us as we uncover how these initiatives are shaping a more resilient and inclusive Austin. 

Austin's Mayor Kirk Watson boasts a distinguished career spanning over three decades in Texas public policy. Beginning with his appointment by Gov. Ann Richards as Chair of the Texas Air Control Board in 1991, Watson demonstrated early leadership in environmental issues, later contributing significantly to the formation of what is now the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Elected as Austin's mayor in 1997, Watson earned acclaim for fostering collaboration across political divides to advance pioneering environmental and economic development projects. His legislative prowess extended into the Texas Senate, where he served for over 13 years, eventually becoming President Pro Tempore in 2019. During his tenure, Watson championed initiatives such as the establishment of a new medical school at The University of Texas at Austin, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in shaping Texas's governance and public health landscape. 

 

In This Episode:  

• (00:00) Introduction of Austin Mayor Kirk and his first job as a “stripper!” 

• (04:15) “Affordability First” is the number one priority for Austin’s communities 

• (08:31) Watson delves into the Infrastructure Academy's goals and benefits. The initiative aims to improve infrastructure and residents' economic stability. 

• (0:10:41) The conversation focuses on efforts to make child care affordable and expand availability. Watson explains the 100% property tax exemption for child care facilities. 

• (0:13:13) Collaborative Efforts for a Better Future - the importance of collaboration in tackling affordability, including partnerships with various stakeholders for inclusivity. 

• (0:14:30) Watson shares his vision for Austin's future and community involvement.  

• (0:17:00) Final thoughts on what it takes to be a “complete city.” 

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About the show:  

Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling those critical open positions. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We also celebrate the victories: the ingenious solutions, the unexpected collaborations, and the best practices that are making us all sharper. You’ll hear guests from all s