Austin is now in its 3rd day of the last outlined Prop B ordinance implementation phase; police can arrest anyone camping in public who refuses to move. Interim Police Chief Chacon and Homeless Strategy Officer Grey are providing an update on this process at 2:00 this afternoon 
The city says the phase-in of Prop B’s public camping ban has seen 600+ APD officer visits with those experiencing homelessness throughout Austin. As of late last week: 572 written warnings, 24 citations, no arrests. 124 people connected with support services
Chacon said last week he expects voluntary camping ban compliance will increase moving forward, and we’ll hear more details on APD’s enforcement this afternoon. Chacon previously said APD would be reviewing the phased plan around its final stage to assess possible next steps
Since the ban went into effect, the city has yet to identify firm shelter/housing options for the hundreds of Austin’s homeless now camping in public. Work to expand shelter capacity continues, and council is not in full agreement on other strategy such as sanctioned campsites
Programs like Austin’s HEAL initiative have been clearing out some high-priority campsites with dozens of residents moved to shelters so far. Push to expand shelter/HEAL plans could be another next step, per some on council communityimpact.com/austin/central…
Austin’s homeless strategy office could also be in line for a funding boost as council plans its next budget. Several new positions, hundreds of thousands of dollars could go to the homeless office's request in addition to tens of millions already allocated to homeless programs
More on that later this week, and again more on Prop B from the city this afternoon. Streaming at 2pm: austintexas.gov/watch-atxn-live
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