City of Austin

The City of Austin on Saturday concluded its three-week Encampment Management Prioritization Initiative, a Citywide, coordinated effort focused on connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with shelter and supportive services while restoring public spaces to safe and functional use. This proactive effort was undertaken in anticipation of seasonal weather risks, including flooding and wildfire hazards, and in alignment with the City’s broader goals to improve the health, safety, and quality of life of all Austinites.

Launched on October 20, the initiative was led by Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations and included participation from Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, the Austin Police Department, Austin Resource Recovery, Austin Transportation and Public Works, Austin Watershed Protection, Austin Parks and Recreation, Austin Emergency Management, and Austin Animal Services, in collaboration with community partners Integral Care and Central Health.

Over the course of the operation, City teams addressed encampments at 669 locations across Austin, prioritizing sites posing imminent risk to life or safety, such as along active roadways or in flood-prone zones. Outreach efforts successfully moved 181 individuals into shelters, and connected an additional 87 with referrals to social, medical, and behavioral health services. Crews removed approximately 674 tons (1,485,915 pounds) of debris, while ensuring that personal property was safeguarded in accordance with City protocol and minimizing the impact on the environment.

During the enforcement phase of this initiative, 22 arrests were made, representing 2 percent of all people engaged. The majority of the arrests were for outstanding warrants. Also, 71 citations were issued, primarily for camping in a public area, with a small number related to possession of drug paraphernalia. Enforcement actions were limited and always preceded by offers of voluntary compliance and service engagement.

“This effort demonstrates what’s possible when City departments unite around a shared purpose,” said David Gray, Director of Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations. “It’s about more than clearing sites, it’s about creating pathways to safety, stability, and dignity. The work accomplished over these past three weeks has strengthened our systems, improved coordination across departments, and reaffirmed our commitment to serving our most vulnerable neighbors.”

The City’s approach reflects a proven principle: homelessness is best addressed through a services-first, enforcement-second strategy. Data and national best practices consistently show that enforcement alone does not resolve homelessness and can exacerbate the challenges people face. By combining compliance with outreach, Austin continues to balance public safety with the responsibility to treat every Austinite with respect and humanity.

A comprehensive After-Action Report summarizing data, operational outcomes, and lessons learned from this initiative will be completed and presented to the Mayor and City Council in the coming months. The report will include detailed metrics, process improvements, and recommendations to guide future encampment management efforts.

As this focused operation concludes, the City will transition back to its regular encampment management schedule, continuing coordinated efforts led by Homeless Strategies and Operations and supported by partner departments. The relationships built, data collected, and interdepartmental collaboration strengthened through this initiative will support a more effective and humane response moving forward.

“This initiative reflects the very best of what public service looks like— departments working side by side as one team, guided by compassion and accountability,” said Austin City Manager, T.C. Broadnax. “I want to thank every staff member and partner who contributed to this effort. Your work has made Austin safer and more connected, and it’s helping us build a stronger foundation for long-term solutions."


Definitions of Key Terms

• Encampment Closure: A coordinated operation requiring individuals to vacate, followed by site restoration and prevention of re-encampment.
• Personal Property: Items with apparent personal ownership or utility, including identification, documents, tents, bicycles, and medications, which are protected during closure operations.
• Services: Refers to the network of support available to individuals experiencing homelessness, including shelter placements, housing navigation, mental and physical health care, substance use recovery programs, benefits assistance, and case management.