Update from the city beginning now. Interim Chief Chacon starts with some updated numbers: 133 site visits, 86 separate sites, 1,290 tents/encampments identified through near the end of Phase 3. 605 people surveyed, "many more" were contacted by police
https://twitter.com/BThompson_CI/status/1425104516102381584
Chacon says "We continue to try to keep making arrests a last resort and finding alternative methods to accomplish Prop B implementation." Phase 4 could mean more arrests per city guidelines
Homeless Strategy Officer Grey now up, and starts by saying the city's HEAL initiative has brought around 110 people out of camps and into supportive bridge shelter. Also references yesterday's groundbreaking of Espero Rutland as housing progress communityimpact.com/austin/northwe…
Grey notes CM Kitchen's "strong interest" in an expansion of the HEAL program up for consideration this week. Kitchen budget amendment would dedicate $6M to HEAL Phase 2 to serve 200 people over the coming year. Grey also says HEAL Phase 1 expected to wrap this month
Question for Chacon about crime committed among, or against, people experiencing homelessness. Chacon says there isn't hard data to reference: "We don’t really track that, per se, on an ongoing basis"
Chacon clarifies Prop B has resulted in no arrests this year: "We’ve not had to make any arrests, period. So none for the camping or the other ordinances..."
Chacon also says there's no city cost estimate for Prop B enforcement as of Phase 4, which would require multiple city departments to calculate time/resources spent: "I don't know if anyone is actually tracking how much the cost has been so far"
Grey says "we are certainly seeing movement in encampments" as enforcement has rolled out. Says city will be keeping an eye on "fluid situation" of encampment relocations, move-outs
Grey speaking to city use of Central Austin Days Inn, formerly a Covid Protection Lodge. Says city recently demobilized that facility as ProLodge before extending its lease there, but it was recently transitioned to a Covid response isolation facility
To question on city homeless spending, Grey says staff would need more time to compile totals. Notes FY 20-21 and 21-22 budgets are ~$65 million for "all things that touch homelessness"
Grey on pending city purchase of WillCo Candlewood Suites for homeless housing: “I certainly think we are cognizant of the need to educate and inform and understand the concerns of our neighbors." Notes previous efforts to provide info on plan there as well
Chacon again on Phase 4, says APD does not anticipate a need to "significantly scale" arrests over coming weeks. Police would attempt to make arrests during downtown community court hours to quickly move process along, although after-hours arrests may also take place
That concludes the Q&A with Chacon and Grey. In closing comments, Chacon reiterates APD will continue implementing the will of voters under Prop B with dignity, respect, services for those affected
Grey also says community should keep homeless housing goals in mind as this process and other strategies play out. And that ends the press conference
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
