On April 17, the Downtown Austin Alliance hosted its monthly virtual Safety Forum, where officials provided updates on safety, crime data and upcoming initiatives impacting downtown Austin.
Austin Police Department update
Commander Michael Chancellor of the Austin Police Department’s Downtown Area Command (DTAC) outlined new efforts to improve public safety downtown. In March, APD launched DARRT (Downtown Area Rapid Response Team), consisting of 42 detectives, sergeants and lieutenants, to bolster resources and regular patrol resources. APD conducted more than 1,000 targeted patrols—up from the average 50 to 60—which led to increased narcotics arrests and a notable drop in vehicle burglaries. To build on that momentum, APD has shifted its mounted patrols to daytime hours. Their strong visual presence throughout downtown and on the hike and bike trail helps deter crime and manage crowds more effectively in high-traffic areas.
Weekend enforcement is also expanding. APD is partnering with AFD fire marshals, Development Services and Code Enforcement to conduct joint patrols to ensure local businesses comply with safety and occupancy regulations. Chancellor also highlighted continued progress along Sixth Street. APD is working with Transportation and Public Works to develop plans to replace the temporary fencing that has been used to create increased pedestrian space with structures that are more appropriate and substantial to control crowds and protect pedestrians.
Looking ahead, APD will grow its downtown neighborhood watch network. APD District Representatives will begin meeting with residents and property managers to support the launch of new watch groups. The goal is to empower the community to take a more active role in building a safer downtown.
HEART Austin program and Public Improvement District add-on
Starting May 1, the HEART Austin program will transition from pilot to a year-round homeless outreach program, reinforcing the Downtown Austin Alliance’s commitment to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness in the Public Improvement District. The initiative connects individuals experiencing homelessness with shelter and housing-focused resources while helping to prevent crises before they escalate.
HEART Practitioners will actively engage people experiencing homelessness Mondays through Saturdays from 7AM to 7PM, and will be a response resource to APD and the Downtown Ambassadors and Safety Team.
The Downtown Austin Alliance is providing funding to bolster the city-funded program to provide increased outreach throughout the entire Downtown Public Improvement District.
Downtown Dashboard
Brandon Fahy, director of public space experience at the Downtown Austin Alliance, shared the latest Downtown Dashboard metrics, highlighting ongoing efforts to maintain a clean, welcoming and responsive environment.
March 2025 data:
- 1,826,832 square feet power-washed
- 4,711 hospitality contacts
- 2,889 Downtown Safety Team ordinance compliance requests
- 451 APD overtime patrol requests for compliance
- 7 Trinity Center homeless reunifications
You can view the presentation slides from the April 2025 Safety Forum here.
Join us for more
The next Downtown Austin Safety Forum is scheduled for Thursday, May 15 at 8:30am Register for the event here.
We also invite you to attend our annual Future of Downtown event on Tuesday, May 27 at ACL Live at The Moody Theater. This signature gathering celebrates more than 30 years of downtown stewardship and brings together community partners, stakeholders and future leaders to explore what’s next for Austin’s urban core. Individual tickets are available for purchase here.