Mayor Kirk Watson on Managing Austin's Success and GenATX

What would it take for Austin to become the best city in America for kids? That question is driving Generation ATX, an initiative launched by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and the City of Austin in 2025. The goal is simple but ambitious: unite the community around improving outcomes for more than 176,000 students across Central Texas. In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo sits down with Mayor Watson to explore the vision behind Generation ATX and what it will take to make Austin the best place to grow up. Drawing on his first term as mayor beginning in 1997 and his return to office, Watson reflects on how Austin’s biggest challenges are tied to its rapid growth and success, and how the city can address affordability to ensure that Austin works for its next generation. Follow Mayor Kirk Watson on Instagram and LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/kirkpwatson/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-watson-045ab81b Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo About Changing Austin: Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future. VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=89088bb99af24177 Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas