ICYMI: Below is a quick summary from several TLNA Members who attended the Public Safety Forum

On July 23rd a Community Meeting was held at Central Presbyterian Church which included a panel discussion of the recent changes to the Homeless Ordinances and the impact thus far. The event packed the church and we estimated 400+ folks attended. It was hosted by Downtown Austin Alliance.

The panel consisted of:

• Brian Manley, Austin Police Department Chief

• Veronica Briseño, Interim Homeless Strategy Officer, City of Austin

• Bill Brice, Vice President of Investor Relations, Downtown Austin Alliance

• Moderated by Dean Angela Evans, LBJ School of Public Affairs

Overall there was a legitimate concern from the panel that unless we get homelessness under control soon, businesses and the community will be affected. This could impact tourism as well as Austin's reputation nationally and elsewhere.

Other Takeaways Include:

• Homelessness is a multidimensional issue

• The City is looking at how other cities deal with homelessness

• City is planning on putting homeless shelters around City in various districts

• Many homeless people and others do not know where to go for services; City working on this issue

• Austin teenage homelessness has been cut in half in recent years

• Adult homelessness estimated at 8,000 to 10,000

• If you need City help regarding homeless call 9-1-1

• City staff leading this effort is Veronica Briseno

• If you want to volunteer or help City go to: www.austintexas.gov/homelessness

Click HERE for more discussion