Re-elect Zo Qadri Delivering an Austin for All

Meet zo

As Austin’s first South Asian City Councilmember, Zo Qadri has brought results to District 9. Since 2023, he’s advanced affordability reforms, safer streets, renter protections and equitable transit. During his first term, Zo and his wife welcomed their son Eesa, an experience that’s deepened his commitment to building a livable, accessible, and just Austin for every family and future generation. He’s running for re-election in 2026 to build on that record — and continue fighting for a more just and inclusive Austin.

“let’s build an austin that works for everyone - together.”

what we’ve delivered

Austin has seen a 10% decrease in rents across the city since Zo took office in 2023.

Council Member Zo Qadri led historic zoning and housing reforms so whether you're raising a family, have lived here for decades, or just arrived, you can afford to stay and call Austin home.

District 9 has the highest number of new housing units becoming available with the 3rd lowest evictions and over $1 million in downtown safety and economic development initiatives.

Zo passed comprehensive tenant protections alongside preservation grants for Austin’s heritage.

According to a Rental Market Study Zillow 2025 Austin has now been listed in the top five most affordable metro areas for renters.
Thanks to compatibility reforms and pro-housing policies passed by Zo Qadri – Austin’s 5% year-over-year rent drop in December 2024 was the third-largest decline among the top 50 metro areas in the country.
District 9 has highest number of units coming online as of 2025.
Created the Red River Cultural District fund and a citywide framework to support economic and cultural districts –– so artists, venues, and small businesses don’t get pushed out.
Implemented Music Commission Recommendation to increase pay for live City music performances from $150/hour set in 2016 to $200/hour and updated our Local Filming Incentive Program that requires City of Austin Living Wage to qualify.
Initiated updates to West Campus/UNO to improve affordability, livability, and mobility for the students and workers who keep Austin running.
Passed the landmark policy banning the construction of windowless bedrooms.
Directed the City Manager to establish a City goal for delivering affordable and accessible student housing and to explore opportunities for increasing the supply of student housing near institutions of higher learning within the City.
Passed a resolution backing workers’ rights and urging Google to bargain with YouTube Music contractors, because Austin’s prosperity must include the people who power it.
Stood with workers organizing for collective labor agreements and better workplace practices across AFSCME, EMS, Google Alphabet Workers, Seton Nurses, Restaurant Workers United, UPS, Unite Here, Starbucks, and United Integral Care Workers.
Secured ongoing funding and policy direction for programs like the HEART outreach team and Downtown Austin Community Court expansion; kept emergency shelter options open; and steered resources toward permanent supportive housing.
As of October 2025, the rate of people becoming homeless for the first time decreased by 5%, the first decrease in our system since 2020.
Launched the CityLeap planning study to repurpose right-of-way for bike/transit, protected bikeways from car parking, and advanced planning on Waller Creek and MoPac South to align with climate and mobility goals.
Led budget wins for a Mental Health Diversion Pilot, CASTMED paramedics, and Community Health Navigators—practical, prevention-first safety.
Secured lighting, extended fencing, gates and signage along Rainey Street. Police and park ranger patrols increased, and EMS medics stationed nearby to assist intoxicated individuals.
Achieved a 9% decrease in Violent Crimes such as Murder, Sexual Assault, Robbery, and Aggravated Assault in 2024 over 2023. 2024 represents the second year with a decrease in violent crime.
Passed Sip Safely, the largest City Drink Spiking Awareness Program in the country which resulted in the city handing out 5,500 drink testing strips and educational materials to ensure access to important safety resources and help prevent drink spiking and create safer entertainment districts across Austin.
Expanded voter-registration access at City facilities and sustained iconic community events from Juneteenth to neighborhood festivals that knit Austin together.
The lone “no” vote on the 5-year Austin Police Contract – with a push to reopen negotiations – Zo worried the $218-million deal would be “chipping away” at city-funded social services over the five-year term.
He led on compliance with the Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA) and defended Austin from government overreach – championing open government, and community-driven policymaking.
Qadri authored the resolution to overhaul the Hate Crimes Task Force, which the city council approved last month — two days before the attack near Barton Springs Pool. The Task Force has built out interfaith coalitions to protect against religious hate crimes.