A statement from the Downtown Austin Alliance:
We are heartbroken by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Michael Ramos and too many others who have faced injustice for generations.
Downtown Austin has long been a gathering place for civic engagement. Historic and meaningful protests have unfolded in and around Congress Avenue and we are proud that downtown is where the community gathers for civic discourse and to exercise first amendment rights. With current social inequities in mind, we continue our work to make downtown Austin a place that is engaging and welcoming for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, age or gender.
Unfortunately, some downtown small businesses have sustained damage as a result of the recent demonstrations, likely at the hands of individuals unaffiliated with organized protests. Our Downtown Ambassadors have moved swiftly to help clean up debris and repair damage. The Downtown Austin Alliance will continue to encourage and support civic engagement downtown, and ask that all citizens do so safely and respectfully.