SOURCE: (KXAN) — As the city of Austin continues grappling with how to address homelessness, city departments say one thing is clear: despite changes to city rules which impact people experiencing homelessness, the departments have not seen an increase in the amount of feces or syringe needles around the city.
Austin’s Public Health Department, Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department and Austin’s Public Works Department all said as much while presenting before the city council at work session two weeks ago.
Why mention this again?
Because people at public meetings, Austinites on social media, and even elected officials like Texas Governor Greg Abbott have cited the visible presence of needles and feces as evidence that Austin’s new policies related to homelessness are dangerous.