The Downtown Austin Alliance hosted its Downtown Safety Forum on November 20, 2025, bringing together downtown stakeholders, public safety officials and community partners to share updates on public safety initiatives, construction impacts downtown and upcoming seasonal events.
The forum featured an update from the Austin Police Department, a presentation on the Downtown Alliance Construction Mitigation Strategy, a review of the October Public Improvement District (PID) unsheltered homelessness count, and a preview of major events taking place downtown during the holiday season.
See the November 2025 Safety Forum Presentation
Austin Police Department Update
Commander Carey Chaudoir with the Austin Police Department provided an update on recent public safety activity and ongoing initiatives impacting downtown Austin.
The briefing included discussion of recent high-profile downtown incidents, updates on APD’s response strategies and an opportunity for downtown stakeholders to ask questions directly to law enforcement leadership.
APD emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement, businesses and community partners to maintain a safe and welcoming environment as Austin enters a busy holiday season with increased visitor activity.
Downtown Alliance Construction Mitigation Strategy
The forum also included a presentation from Matt Geske, Vice President of Public Affairs, and Vanessa Olson, Vice President of Communications & Marketing with the Downtown Austin Alliance on efforts to help businesses and stakeholders navigate the growing number of construction projects downtown.
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Several large infrastructure and development projects are underway or planned in the coming years, including improvements related to I-35 reconstruction, the Austin Convention Center redevelopment, Congress Avenue urban design improvements, Project Connect and additional public space enhancements.
Mitigation Efforts
To help support downtown businesses and visitors during construction activity, the Downtown Austin Alliance has launched several mitigation initiatives, including:
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A subsidized parking pilot program near the Convention Center
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Transportation partnerships, including rideshare promotions
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Weekly construction site tour walks to keep stakeholders informed
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A business support grant program
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Block-by-block construction updates for downtown businesses and property owners
The strategy focuses on improving communication, coordination and transparency while minimizing disruptions for downtown businesses and visitors.
Communication Tools
New communication tools are also being used to keep stakeholders informed about construction and closures.
These include:
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A Construction & Closures webpage on the Downtown Austin Alliance website
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Text message alert channels providing real-time updates
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Updates through the XOXO Downtown Austin mobile app, which provides information on parking, events, construction updates and downtown resources.
Community members can subscribe to text alerts by texting ATX or ATX CONSTRUCTION to 512-890-3099 to receive updates about downtown activity.
October Downtown PID Unsheltered Homeless Count
The forum also reviewed results from the October Downtown Public Improvement District unsheltered homelessness count.
The data continues to track the estimated number of unsheltered individuals in the downtown area over time, helping city and nonprofit partners monitor trends and guide outreach and service coordination efforts.
The count shows fluctuations throughout the year, reflecting factors such as outreach programs, housing placements and seasonal conditions that influence the number of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness downtown.
Upcoming Downtown Events
Several major events and seasonal activities will bring increased activity to downtown Austin in the coming weeks.
November
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24th Annual Pain Medicine Meeting – JW Marriott (Nov. 13–15)
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Texas Craft Brewers Festival – Fiesta Gardens (Nov. 15)
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A Christmas Affair – Palmer Events Center (Nov. 20–23)
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The Front Market – Waterloo Park (Nov. 22–23)
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ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot – Downtown Austin (Nov. 27)
December
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Downtown Holiday Sing-Along & Stroll – Congress Avenue (Dec. 6)
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Ballet Austin: The Nutcracker – Long Center (Dec. 6–22)
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Austin Trail of Lights – Zilker Park (Dec. 10–23)
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Armadillo Christmas Bazaar – Palmer Events Center (Dec. 13–21)
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Austin’s New Year – Auditorium Shores (Dec. 31)
University of Texas home football games also continue to bring increased activity to downtown on November 15, 22 and 28.
Holiday Events Downtown
Stakeholders also previewed the Downtown Holiday Sing-Along & Stroll, taking place December 6 along Congress Avenue, which will feature live music, holiday activities and community programming in the heart of downtown.
Next Downtown Safety Forum
The next Downtown Safety Forum will take place:
Thursday, December 18, 2025
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Downtown stakeholders are encouraged to attend to stay informed about safety initiatives, construction updates and upcoming downtown events.