News Flash

The City of Kaufman is excited to welcome Chief Brian Watson as Fire Chief. Today marks his first day with the City. With a strong commitment to public safety and service excellence, Chief Watson joins the City at a time of continued growth and opportunity for the Kaufman Fire Department. Chief Watson brings more than 27 years of fire and EMS leadership experience, most recently serving as Chief of the Training Division for the Shreveport Fire Department. Known for his transparent leadership style, Chief Watson will focus on operational readiness, workforce development, fiscal responsibility, and strong community engagement as he leads the Kaufman Fire Department forward.

Chief Watson is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, TEEX Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Program through Texas A&M’s Mays Business School, and is redesignated as Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fire and Emergency Management, a Master’s degree in Management and Leadership, and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Leadership and Innovation.

City leadership looks forward to Chief Watson’s contributions and the experience, vision, and dedication he brings to the Kaufman community. His focus on leadership development, collaboration, and operational excellence will support and strengthen the department’s existing staff while continuing to advance the City’s commitment to public safety. The City of Kaufman welcomes Chief Watson and his family and is confident he will play a key role in enhancing service to the community for years to come.

The City of Kaufman will hold a General Election on Saturday, May 2, 2026, to elect three (3) Councilmembers.

In accordance with State law, candidate filing for a place on the ballot will open on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. and will close on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Qualified individuals may file as a candidate Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the City Secretary’s Office, located at:

City Hall209 S. Washington StreetKaufman, Texas 75142

Candidate packets are available from the City Secretary’s Office or by accessing the link provided below.

We encourage all eligible residents to participate in this important civic process. If you have questions, please contact the City Secretary’s Office for more information.

The City of Kaufman Comprehensive Plan is a community-driven guide for our city’s future growth and development. We encourage residents, business owners, and stakeholders to share their thoughts as we work together to shape Kaufman’s future.

This plan is an important tool used by City Council, Planning & Zoning, and City staff to make informed decisions that align with the community’s vision and priorities. While the Comprehensive Plan does not change zoning on its own, it provides guidance to ensure future growth is thoughtful, sustainable, and consistent with the values of Kaufman.

We encourage residents, property owners, and community stakeholders to review the Comprehensive Plan and become familiar with the goals and recommendations outlined within it. Community awareness and engagement are essential as we work together to plan for Kaufman’s future.

Stay up to date on the Kaufman Forward Comprehensive Plan