AUSTIN, Texas — Homelessness in Austin continues to be a controversial issue, since the City Council scaled back on rules on camping, sitting, and lying. Hundreds attended a town hall Wednesday morning at the Austin Convention Center to voice their opinions on the matter and ask question to panel with Mayor Steve Adler and other City Council members. The Downtown Austin Alliance hosted the event.
- Wednesday town hall focused on Austin’s homelessness issues
- Some expressed concerns about safety since ordinances were changed
- Another town hall event slated for August 29
Since June, opponents of the changes to the ordinances have raised concerns about safety, noting the number of people living on the streets and the number of encampments around town. Council members argued the previous rules were implemented in 1996, and since have been costly and ineffective in reducing homelessness. Adler, as well as Council members Greg Casar, Kathie Tovo, and Ann Kitchen, agreed that much of their efforts will now be towards investing in housing and providing support services.