On December 19, the Downtown Austin Alliance hosted its monthly virtual Safety Forum to share updates on safety trends, crime data and upcoming initiatives shaping downtown Austin.
Austin Police Department Update
The forum began with an introduction to Mark Clemens, the new downtown commander of the Austin Police Department. Commander Clemens provided an overview of downtown crime trends, noting that crimes against persons and property remain the most common, with simple assaults and theft topping the list. He also addressed ongoing concerns about drug-related offenses and weapon violations, particularly in high-traffic areas like Sixth Street and Republic Square Park. Efforts are underway to address these issues and enhance safety for residents and visitors.
Staffing challenges remain a key issue, with the downtown area operating at about 70% of its target staffing levels. While citywide understaffing continues, Clemens noted there have been modest improvements in recruitment and retention.
One major initiative discussed was the Keep Sixth Street Open Project, a pilot program launched in early January 2024. The program tests reopening Sixth Street on Thursdays and Sundays, moving away from the typical weekend street closure model. It aims to improve crowd control, safety and infrastructure through collaboration with local agencies like the Austin Transportation Department and Public Works.
October 2024 Homeless Count and HEART Program Update
The Downtown Austin Alliance shared results from the October 2024 unsheltered homeless count conducted in the Downtown Public Improvement District. The count identified 586 individuals living unsheltered, including 479 people, 34 tents or structures and 19 vehicles. This reflects an increase from January 2024, when 399 individuals were counted.
To address this growing trend, the Downtown Austin Alliance has expanded its Homelessness Engagement Assistance Response Team program. The pilot program, which helped shelter 120 people and reunite 53 with their families, secured funding in the City of Austin’s 2025 fiscal year budget. The expanded program, launching in early 2025, will cover a larger geographic area and operate year-round to provide continued support.
Downtown Safety Initiatives
Brandon Fay, director of public space experience at the Downtown Austin Alliance, provided an update on the safety measures implemented in May 2024. The Downtown Safety Team, which now includes 23 full-time members, patrols daily to address mental health needs, Class C misdemeanors and potentially aggressive behavior. Their efforts have resulted in more than 7,900 requests for compliance, with a 91% success rate in achieving voluntary cooperation.
A mobile patrol unit operates Thursday through Sunday nights, focusing on theft and vehicle burglaries in high-traffic areas like Sixth Street and Congress Avenue. The team’s increased presence, marked by their fluorescent yellow uniforms, is designed to enhance safety and support the community.
Additionally, the Downtown Alliance launched a new online service request platform that allows residents and businesses to request cleaning services or report non-emergency issues. This program addresses tasks like litter removal, pressure washing and graffiti cleanup while supporting law enforcement by redirecting non-emergency calls.
Join Us for More
The next Downtown Safety Forum is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 8:30am. Register for the January Safety Forum here.
View the slide deck from the December 2024 Safety Forum here.