On March 25, the Downtown Austin Alliance hosted Issues & Eggs: 6th Street’s Next Act, an installment of our ongoing breakfast series designed to foster dialogue on critical local issues. City leaders gathered to discuss current challenges and strategic solutions for the revitalization of Sixth Street.
The discussion opened with remarks from Dr. Tamara Herold, an American crime scientist and associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Herold shared key findings from her Austin Crime Report emphasizing how crime disproportionately concentrates in specific locations, a pattern that follows the law of crime concentration found in cities worldwide. She noted that despite Sixth Street representing less than 0.1% of Austin’s total land area, it generates a disproportionate amount of crime. Additionally, she presented preliminary data showing notable reductions in crime from January to February 2025:
- Crimes against persons down 46%
- Property crimes down 62%
- Drugs and weapon crimes down 45%
Dr. Herold highlighted that the Austin Police Department, under Chief Lisa Davis, has taken a data-driven approach to crime reduction, increasing police visibility and focusing on proactive engagement rather than solely reactive responses. She also underscored the importance of collaborative problem-solving among law enforcement city departments and private stakeholders to create sustainable improvements.
See Dr. Tamara Herold’s presentation slides here.
Investment and Preservation of Old 6th Street
Eddie Garcia, assistant city manager for the City of Austin, reiterated the City’s long-term commitment to investing in and preserving the Sixth Street Historic District. The Safer Sixth Street Task Force, a coalition of city services and private stakeholders, has been working to address public safety, cleanliness, traffic management, tourism, and economic development in the district. Garcia emphasized the City’s no-quit approach to revitalization, viewing the efforts on Sixth Street as a model for similar initiatives across Austin’s nine other City Council districts.
Development Vision for Sixth Street
Paul Bodenman, senior vice president of investments at Stream Realty Partners, outlined his firm’s strategy to attract high-quality restaurants and retailers that will revitalize properties on Old 6th Street. Their vision is to establish an 18-hour district ensuring vibrant activity from breakfast through late-night entertainment. By diversifying the mix of businesses beyond bars and nightclubs, Sixth Street will become a more inviting destination for locals and visitors alike.
Enforcement and Encouragement of Public Safety
Blake Thompson, co-founder of State Street Properties, addressed the challenges of crime and property damage that have hindered investment in Sixth Street. He pointed out that the district’s nightlife-driven reputation has limited its potential to attract daytime businesses. Thompson emphasized the need for increased enforcement, streamlined city operations, and proactive city department engagement to support local businesses and enhance safety.
Sixth Street’s Next Act
The Downtown Austin Alliance remains committed to preserving Sixth Street’s authentic character while addressing ongoing safety concerns. One of the next major steps in revitalization includes reopening Sixth Street to vehicle traffic reducing congestion and improving overall safety.
Additionally, Dr. Herold’s research emphasized the importance of managing large crowds strategically, noting that police alone cannot solve all social challenges—a holistic approach involving business owners, city services, and community stakeholders is necessary. A coordinated city-wide response, including improved lighting, street cleaning, and economic development efforts, is already showing promising results.
As public-private collaboration strengthens, the transformation of Sixth Street into a safer, more dynamic, and economically diverse district is well underway. The Downtown Austin Alliance will continue to work with city leaders, business owners, and the community to ensure that Sixth Street remains an iconic and thriving destination in Austin.
