Mackenzie Kelly
Mackenzie Kelly was a member of the Austin City Council in Texas, representing District 6. She assumed office on January 6, 2021. She left office on January 6, 2025.
Kelly ran for re-election to the Austin City Council to represent District 6 in Texas. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Kelly completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Mackenzie Kelly was born in Austin, Texas. She earned a high school diploma from Westwood High School. She has attended classes at the American Military University and Harvard University. Her professional experience includes working as a client care manager for a senior care agency, and a city council member.[1][2]
Elections
2024
See also: City elections in Austin, Texas (2024)
General election
General election for Austin City Council District 6
Krista Laine defeated incumbent Mackenzie Kelly in the general election for Austin City Council District 6 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Krista Laine (Nonpartisan)  | 51.3 | 14,008 |
 | Mackenzie Kelly (Nonpartisan) | 48.7 | 13,283 | |
| Total votes: 27,291 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Kelly in this election.
2020
See also: City elections in Austin, Texas (2020)
General runoff election
General runoff election for Austin City Council District 6
Mackenzie Kelly defeated incumbent James Flannigan in the general runoff election for Austin City Council District 6 on December 15, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mackenzie Kelly (Nonpartisan) | 52.2 | 7,961 |
 | James Flannigan (Nonpartisan) | 47.8 | 7,295 | |
| Total votes: 15,256 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
General election
General election for Austin City Council District 6
Incumbent James Flannigan and Mackenzie Kelly advanced to a runoff. They defeated Jennifer Mushtaler and Dee Harrison in the general election for Austin City Council District 6 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | James Flannigan (Nonpartisan) | 40.2 | 14,278 |
| ✔ | | Mackenzie Kelly (Nonpartisan) | 33.4 | 11,866 |
 | Jennifer Mushtaler (Nonpartisan) | 19.1 | 6,806 | |
| Dee Harrison (Nonpartisan) | 7.3 | 2,600 | ||
| Total votes: 35,550 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2014
- See also: Austin, Texas municipal elections, 2014.
The city of Austin held elections for city council on November 4, 2014. The candidate filing deadline was August 18, 2014. Because of redistricting and term limits, there was no incumbent for District 6.[3] The candidates were James T. Flannigan, Mackenzie Kelly, Lloyd "Pete" Phillips Jr., Matt Stillwell, Jay Wiley and Donald S. Zimmerman.[4] Because no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote in the general election, the top two vote-getters - Flannigan and Zimmerman - faced each other in a runoff election on December 16, 2014.[5] Zimmerman was the winner.[6]
| Austin City Council, District 6, 2014 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
 Donald S. Zimmerman |
51.2% | 4,012 | |
| James T. Flannigan | 48.8% | 3,821 | |
| Total Votes | 7,833 | ||
| Source: Travis County Clerk - 2014 Official Runoff Election Results | |||
| Austin City Council, District 6, 2014 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| James T. Flannigan |
24% | 3,702 | |
| Donald S. Zimmerman |
24.2% | 3,729 | |
| Mackenzie Kelly | 9% | 1,382 | |
| Lloyd "Pete" Phillips Jr. | 4.6% | 704 | |
| Matt Stillwell | 15.4% | 2,366 | |
| Jay Wiley | 22.8% | 3,513 | |
| Total Votes | 11,883 | ||
| Source: Travis County Clerk - 2014 Official Election Results | |||
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Mackenzie Kelly completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kelly's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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- Proven Leadership and Experience: With four years of dedicated service as your District 6 Council Member, I have a strong track record of passing policies that save lives and improve public safety, such as expanding EMS programs and supporting our first responders. I am the only candidate endorsed by all three public safety unions.
- Fiscal Responsibility: I prioritize careful use of taxpayer dollars. I saved over $150,000 from my district office budget during my first term, which will fund important park improvements for our community—an unprecedented achievement in Austin's history.
- Commitment to Community and Public Safety: Having lived in District 6 my entire life, I understand the unique needs of our neighborhoods. I remain focused on ensuring public safety, enhancing quality of life, and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to find practical solutions for our growing city.
Public Safety: As a volunteer firefighter and emergency management professional, ensuring the safety of our community is my top priority. I’ve authored life-saving initiatives like expanding the whole blood program at EMS and worked to return crucial tools like the automated license plate reader program for APD, which has helped recover victims of human trafficking and stolen vehicles.
What makes this office particularly unique is that Austin is a rapidly growing and diverse city facing both opportunities and challenges related to that growth, such as affordability and transportation. The City Council plays a key role in shaping policies that affect how the city evolves while preserving the character of neighborhoods, like those in District 6, and ensuring equitable access to city services.
I would like to follow his example because he demonstrates how to stay grounded in one’s values while being pragmatic and solution-oriented. His long-standing career in politics, marked by his effectiveness and respect for the people he serves, is something I aspire to in my own public service career.
Integrity: An elected official must act with honesty, transparency, and accountability. Trust between the public and their leaders is essential, and officials should always put the needs of their constituents above personal interests.
Responsiveness and Accessibility: Being approachable and actively listening to the concerns of the community is crucial. An official should be responsive, open to feedback, and willing to engage with residents to ensure their voices are heard and represented.
Dedication to Public Service: My background as a volunteer firefighter and emergency management professional has instilled in me a deep commitment to serving others. I am passionate about making a real difference in my community and approach every issue with a solutions-focused mindset.
Strong Leadership and Integrity: I lead with honesty, transparency, and a willingness to stand up for what is right, even when it's difficult. My track record on the council demonstrates that I am not afraid to take a stand on issues that matter to my constituents, even if I’m the lone voice.
Pragmatism and Problem-Solving Skills: I approach challenges with a pragmatic attitude, focusing on finding common-sense solutions that work for the community. Whether it's public safety, fiscal responsibility, or infrastructure development, I work to balance the needs of my district with long-term citywide goals.
Resilience and Tenacity: Politics can be tough, but I have always remained resilient in the face of opposition or challenges. I’m driven by a desire to improve the quality of life for my constituents, and that keeps me going even when the work is demanding.
Advocating for Constituents: A council member must serve as the voice of their district, representing the unique needs and concerns of residents while ensuring their priorities are reflected in city policies and decisions.
Ensuring Public Safety: Keeping the community safe is a fundamental responsibility. This includes supporting police, fire, and EMS services, and advancing initiatives that protect residents and improve emergency response.
Managing City Resources Responsibly: Fiscal responsibility is key. Elected officials should ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, balancing budgets while investing in critical infrastructure and services that improve quality of life.
Promoting Sustainable Growth: Council members must guide the city’s growth, ensuring it is done in a way that preserves neighborhood character, enhances infrastructure, and addresses affordability issues, all while meeting the demands of a rapidly expanding population.
Additionally, I want my legacy to reflect that I stood up for what I believed in, even when it was difficult or unpopular, and that I made meaningful progress in areas like public safety, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility that will benefit future generations. Ultimately, I hope to inspire others to lead with integrity and to remain committed to improving their communities.
Another key responsibility that people may not be fully aware of is the council's ability to influence infrastructure development, such as water resources, transportation, and energy management. The council works closely with city departments to oversee how these essential services are provided, ensuring they meet the needs of a growing population.
In my case, my prior experience in local government and emergency management has been instrumental in developing life-saving policies and managing critical issues like public safety and fiscal responsibility. It also helps build relationships and credibility with other government entities and community stakeholders, which is essential for achieving meaningful results.
Leadership and Decision-Making: The ability to lead with confidence, make informed decisions, and take responsibility for outcomes is critical. Council members must balance competing interests while advancing the best solutions for their community.
Public Policy Knowledge: A deep understanding of public policy, especially in areas like public safety, housing, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, is essential. Expertise in these areas helps craft effective legislation and address the city’s most pressing challenges.
Communication and Listening Skills: Engaging with constituents and colleagues requires strong communication skills. Listening to diverse viewpoints, responding to concerns, and clearly articulating policies are vital for fostering trust and building consensus.
Budgeting and Financial Acumen: Given the council’s role in managing the city’s budget, financial literacy is crucial. Understanding how to allocate resources efficiently while ensuring fiscal responsibility allows for better decision-making and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
Collaboration and Negotiation: The ability to work across political lines and build coalitions is key. Crafting policies and achieving results often requires negotiation and collaboration with other council members, city staff, and stakeholders.
Policy-Making Authority: The council is the primary legislative body for the city, responsible for crafting and passing ordinances that regulate everything from public safety and zoning to transportation and environmental policies. This gives the council significant control over how Austin evolves and addresses local issues like affordability, growth, and sustainability.
Budgetary Control: The council holds the power of the purse, meaning it decides how to allocate city resources. This responsibility is critical for ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently on services like police, fire, EMS, and infrastructure, while balancing the needs of the community.
Representation of Local Interests: Each council member represents a specific district, ensuring that diverse neighborhoods and communities within the city have a voice in decision-making. This decentralized representation allows the council to be more responsive to local needs and priorities.
Influence on Long-Term City Planning: The council plays a vital role in setting the long-term vision for Austin’s growth and development. Through comprehensive planning, land use decisions, and infrastructure investments, council members influence the city’s future in areas like housing, transportation, and economic development.
Direct Accountability to Constituents: Unlike higher levels of government, the council is closely connected to the people it serves. Council members regularly engage with residents, making them directly accountable to their constituents and responsive to their concerns.
Because good luck hiding anything—someone’s always going to leak it!
Accountability also means ensuring that government actions align with the public’s best interests, and I support policies that increase oversight, transparency, and public participation in decision-making processes.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2020
Mackenzie Kelly completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kelly's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Kelly was recently elected president of the 100th class of APD's Citizen Police Academy. In other civil service, she worked with the Jollyville Fire Department from 2005-13. She is now employed in the health care sector working with front-line workers who care for the area's elderly population. Mackenzie is no stranger to the politics of the district, having run for the first election under the 10-1 plan in 2014, finishing with around 9% of the vote on what was mostly a word-of-mouth campaign. In 2020, she is endorsed by the top leaders in the Austin community - from former Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell to conservative firebrand and the first District 6 representative Don Zimmerman.
Kelly, a native of Northwest Austin, is a married mother of an inquisitive 10-year-old.- Lower runaway property taxes and reduce regulatory burdens on Austin's business community
- Keep Austin safe by fully funding law enforcement
- Clean up our bridges and overpasses and reverse Austin's homeless camping ordinance
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Mackenzie is interested in continuing citizen-led efforts to audit the city and find ways to save taxpayer dollars in a variety of services.
Personal integrity is another, as so much is entrusted to Council members.
An unwavering dedication to public safety is critical for a Council member as the citizens are relying on their representatives at City Hall to keep their neighborhoods free from crime and ilicit behavior.
Reading through each Council agenda and packet carefully and with a critical eye.
Communication with other Council members and various departments to gain a better understanding of the issue before the Council.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2014
On her campaign website, Kelly highlighted the following issues:[7]
Affordability
- Excerpt: "It’s my priority to make a realistic plan for enabling tax incentive programs in order to keep taxes at a minimum. To do so, I plan on supporting homestead exemption programs to homeowners. It is my belief that those who made Austin what it is today are the ones that are being priced out of being able to live here. I fully support the state maximum for homestead exemptions. Let’s work together not raise the property tax rate any higher than it already is."
Transportation
- Excerpt: "If elected for City Council, I would support initiatives to provide funding to complete the following road projects: US 183 Fully-Directional Interchange Completion, Downtown Access Roadway and Riverside Interchange [and] Regional Transportation Management and I-35 Integrated Corridor Management. I would also support the following multi-modal regional roadway projects: SH 71 Direct connectors to ABIA [and] US 183/ Riverside Interchange."[8]
Public safety
- Excerpt: "In order to keep Austin safe, something needs to be done. The Austin Police Department has an extensive community involvement program. Solutions to the crime problem can be solved by ensuring that the community understands the array of involvement that the police department provides to the community. Currently, the Austin Police Department participates in Neighborhood Watch Programs, Neighborhood Associations Meetings, Business Association Meetings, Citizens on Patrol Meetings and Apartment Residents on Watch Meetings. These meetings are held all over Austin in various neighborhoods regularly. In addition, they provide several urban decay prevention programs such as code enforcement violations, illegal dumping, graffiti and abandoned and junk vehicle notification programs. Keeping Austin safe is a priority we can all assist with."
Bag ban
- Excerpt: "When elected, I will ensure the proper steps are taken to fully repeal the bag ban."
See also
2024 Elections
External links
|
Candidate Austin City Council District 6 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 14, 2020
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2024
- ↑ City of Austin, "2014 Election Calendar," accessed May 14, 2014
- ↑ City of Austin, "2014 Candidate List," accessed September 4, 2014
- ↑ Travis County Clerk, "2014 Unofficial Election Results," accessed November 4, 2014
- ↑ Travis County Clerk, "2014 Runoff Election Results," accessed December 16, 2014
- ↑ Kelly for Austin, "Solutions," accessed September 26, 2014
- ↑ Slight structural modifications were made to this excerpt for stylistic purposes. The content, however, is unchanged. For the original version see here
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by James Flannigan |
Austin City Council District 6 2021-2025 |
Succeeded by Krista Laine |
| |||||||||
