Austin has a well-documented problem with homelessness and the Public Safety Commission on Monday discussed potentially doing away with city ordinances that some people have deemed unfair and inhumane. The PSC’s discussion was spurred on by a city audit from 2017 showing those ordinances can prevent homeless people from transitioning into housing and employment.
The commission has recommended that City Manager Spencer Cronk seek out public input on the removal of three ordinances specifically: panhandling, camping, and sitting/lying down in public streets or sidewalks.
Along with that recommendation, the commission also says the city council should find ways to fund even more social services for the homeless to help them connect with opportunities to find new housing, new jobs, or counseling. Earlier this year, the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition said no less than $60-million would suffice for making a dent in the problem. The commission appears to feel that number is still far too low.
Representatives with the Austin Police Department said they recognize that there is a problem, but also said the ordinances are vital to maintaining public order. Without them, streets like Congress Avanue could one day be lined with tents, according to APD.
No vote has yet been taken on a full repeal of the ordinances.
