Dear Neighbor, The City-Community Task Force to “reimagine” public safety has met three times for more than seven hours and has yet to discuss any of the Austin Police Department programs and services under consideration to be cut or moved. The task force is scheduled to meet again this week to consider how to organize and structure its work. What is… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, Not surprisingly, the community reacted strongly to police budget cuts by the Austin City Council a few weeks ago. More than $21 million and 150 police positions were cut. Another $128.8 million was placed in a “transition budget.” Did it make sense to cut cops when crime is rising and response times are slower? Decide for yourself.… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, We told the Austin City Council last month that a majority of likely voters didn’t support cutting cops when crime is on the rise and response times are slower. And they did it anyway. Cutting $21 million now and potentially $128 million more in six months. Council Member Greg Casar sent an email to supporters saying “We won!” after… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, I know you’re concerned about what the Austin City Council did yesterday. Same here. We’re worried about police budget cuts when crime is increasing and response times are slower, but also hopeful about opportunities for community involvement in the next few months. In a news conference yesterday, Chief Brian Manley reassured us that despite budget cuts, responding to 911… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, Later today, the Austin City Council will begin adopting a budget for the next fiscal year. Nearly 300 speakers have signed up. It’s not too late to contact the mayor and your council member. Use these links to call or send an email.  We can’t afford to cut cops, cancel cadet classes, or reduce overtime when crime is increasing in our… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, The Austin City Council will start adopting a budget Wednesday. That’s seventy-two hours left to make your voice heard and stand for public safety. We can’t afford to cut cops, cancel cadet classes, and reduce overtime. A majority of Austin voters support reform, but not cutting cops when crime is increasing and response times are slower. Ask… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, We’re number one, but it’s not good news. According to a Wall Street Journal article, Austin ranks first among the fifteen largest US cities for percentage increase in murders this year and third in robberies. A week from tomorrow, the Austin City Council begins budget adoption. The proposed budget includes cutting 100 police positions, and several council members… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, In two weeks, the Austin City Council will vote on a budget that cuts 100 police officers. Call and email the mayor and council members urging them not to cut cops. A new poll shows a majority of Austin voters oppose reducing the police department budget and cutting cops. There is strong support for public safety reform but not reducing police officers when violent crime… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, At the Austin City Council’s direction, City Manager Spencer Cronk released a proposed budget this week that cuts 100 police officers. What does that mean for the community? Download our Crime in Austin report. It details crime by council district, response times, traffic fatalities, and other public safety information. Please read it for yourself and decide. Can we afford to cut cops?… Read more »