Five candidates target Austin District 9

Five candidates are competing for the Austin City Council District 9 seat in the 2026 election. The group includes incumbent Zo Qadri and four challengers: Rich Heyman, Katie Kam, Kai Huang, and Dave Thadani. Their platforms diverge on key local issues, particularly regarding financial oversight and public transportation infrastructure.

Qadri, who has held the seat for four years, cited completed work on local priorities as a reason for running again. He stated that while the council has accomplished a lot, substantial work remains. His reelection campaign emphasizes continuity in addressing the concerns of Austin residents.

Heyman brings a background in urban geography from his tenure as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin. He described his candidacy as a continuation of his academic focus on city planning. He noted that he spent 30 years studying cities before entering the race and aims to apply that knowledge to council decisions.

Kam is a civil engineer and former teacher who said she oriented her 30-year career around serving Austin. She argued that her professional experience provides the technical depth necessary for informed decision-making on the council. Huang, who has a background in finance and technology, positioned himself as a neighbor rather than a traditional politician. He emphasized the need for strict budget oversight and wise spending of public funds.

Thadani did not respond to multiple interview requests for this report. His campaign website identifies him as a UT student. He lists improving walkability, protecting green spaces, expanding affordable housing, and creating a landlord transparency portal as his primary goals.

The candidates split on Proposition I, which would mandate external audits of city spending. Qadri and Heyman opposed the measure. Qadri expressed full faith in the current city auditor and preferred the internal audit process. Heyman argued that the proposal contained too many burdensome requirements as written. Kam and Huang supported the proposition. Kam said a charter amendment for audits would signal the city's seriousness about efficiency. Huang argued that outside accountability is necessary because city funds belong to the public.

Transit planning created further division. Qadri supported Project Connect, the light rail project, believing it would benefit current and future residents. He also advocated for more frequent bus routes and the existing e-bike program. Huang supported the project but called for private partnerships to ensure accountability. He also suggested building parking structures on dirt lots and analyzing traffic flows to improve bus efficiency.

Heyman, who originally voted for Project Connect, expressed disappointment with the scaled-back current plan and rising costs. He called for a reassessment of the project and suggested expanding feeder systems using buses or on-demand vans. Kam advocated for stopping the light rail project entirely to reassess the technology. She proposed a monorail system along I-35 or Lamar to reduce street-level conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists. She also supported low-speed electric vehicles and roundabouts.

On homelessness and public safety, Qadri highlighted the need for mental health and substance abuse resources. Huang stated he would fund social work programs only if they showed clear results. Heyman argued that local resources have limits and that services must match community needs. Kam focused on repeat offenders, stating that addressing them would significantly improve public safety.

Heyman also discussed his arrest two years ago following a pro-Palestine protest at UT Austin. He described being surrounded by unmarked Department of Public Safety officers in his neighborhood ten days after the protest. He was charged with interfering with public duties, a charge that was later dropped. He said his university contract was not renewed following the incident, which he described as a traumatic start to a crackdown on free speech.

Dave Thadani remains the only candidate without a recorded statement on these specific policy debates. The election will determine which of these five distinct approaches to city management residents in District 9 will support for the next term.