Dear Neighbor,
The latest Chief’s Monthly Report indicates several crime categories continue to rise compared to last year. In the first eight months of 2020:
- Murder increased 43%.
- Auto theft increased 33%.
- Arson increased 24%.
- Aggravated assaults increased 17%.
- Robberies, building theft, vandalism, and burglaries increased.
Despite rising crime and slower response times, the Austin City Council voted unanimously last month to cut 150 positions and as much as $150 million from the police budget. The city council also canceled cadet classes for the upcoming fiscal year,
Be an informed voter. Five Austin City Council seats are on the ballot in November. Austin area chambers of commerce have launched a website with information about candidates. Chamber-sponsored candidate forums held two weeks ago are available online.
- Find your council district.
- Register to vote by October 5.
- Early voting begins October 13.
- Election Day is November 3.
The City of Austin and League of Women Voters are sponsoring virtual candidate forums, which will be broadcast on ATXN. Previous forums are also available for viewing here.
- District 10 September 29, 6:00 p.m.
- District 6 September 30, 6:00 p.m.
- District 7 October 7, 6:00 p.m.
How can you participate in “reimagining” public safety? Sign up for City of Austin updates and to host a community listening session and participate in online surveys. Provide feedback at SpeakUp Austin. Register for upcoming community conversations:
- District 7 October 14, 5:30 p.m. Register here.
- District 5 October 21, 5:30 p.m. Register here.
- District 2 October 28, 5:30 p.m. Register here.
- District 8 November 18, TBD Register here.
Thanks for supporting first responders.
Best,
Corby
P.S. Support the Neighborhood Network. Your tax-deductible donation will help us fight for public safety.