City officials and newly elected councilmembers were sworn into office at a special meeting of the Austin City Council on Jan. 6, 2025, at Austin City Hall.

Presiding Judge Sherry Statman administered oaths of office for the mayor and multiple councilmembers after an invocation by Chaplain Burns and the performance of the national anthem by Cassie Brandy. City Manager TC Broadnax opened the evening and welcomed attendees to the inauguration and special called meeting.

Mayor Kirk Watson, sworn in during the ceremony, used his remarks to lay out an emphasis on practical governing. He highlighted recent changes and accomplishments, saying, "In short, we got stuff done at city hall, and I think Austin voters saw it and liked it and want more of it." Watson listed management and policy achievements including rebuilding the city management team, changes to the land development code, job training initiatives such as the Austin Infrastructure Academy, a new approach to homelessness, adoption of an energy generation plan, and improvements to the 9-1-1 emergency system.

Several newly sworn and returning councilmembers spoke after taking their oaths. Council Member Vanessa Fuentes (District 2) thanked voters and said she plans to pursue a vision of a "15-minute city" in which residents can access grocery stores, parks and services within a short trip by car, bike or on foot. Council Member Jose Chito Vela (District 4) described Austin as having strengths that draw attention nationally and said he wants the city to be "one of the best governed cities in the country." Council Member Krista Lane (District 6) emphasized housing, transportation and resilient utilities for her district, and Council Member Mike Siegel (District 7) noted the responsibilities of public service and pledged to work on housing, affordability, transportation, climate and public safety.

The meeting was brief; Mayor Watson announced one piece of business requiring a vote (the selection of a mayor pro tem) before the council adjourned. The council concluded the special meeting at 6:59 p.m. and invited attendees to a reception following the ceremony.

The oath-taking and inaugural remarks set the tone for the council's stated priorities for the coming term, with multiple members stressing practical outcomes for residents alongside traditional ceremonial elements of the inauguration.