The Downtown Austin Alliance hosted its Downtown Safety Forum on September 18, 2025, bringing together downtown stakeholders, public safety officials and community partners to discuss ongoing safety initiatives, public order strategies and upcoming events impacting the downtown district.
The meeting included updates from the Austin Police Department, information about the Red Carpet Service Program, a look at downtown homelessness trends, and a preview of major events and conferences expected to bring increased activity to Austin this fall.
See the full September 2025 Downtown Safety Forum
Austin Police Department Update
Commander Carey Chaudoir with the Austin Police Department shared updates on downtown safety operations, including the work of the Downtown Area Command (DTAC) Public Order Team, DARRT investigators and Mounted Patrol units.
These teams focus on proactively addressing quality-of-life issues and responding quickly to incidents in high-traffic areas across downtown.
DTAC Public Order Team
The Public Order Team works to identify early signs of disorder and address issues before they escalate, helping improve safety and overall community well-being.
Current staffing includes:
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1 Sergeant
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1 Corporal
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6 Officers
The team operates primarily:
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Monday–Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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Wednesday–Thursday: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
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Additional coverage as needed for weekends and special events.
Public Order Team Activity
Recent activity between July 29 and September 9, 2025 included:
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387 subject stops
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56 felony arrests
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37 misdemeanor arrests
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134 misdemeanor citations
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40 business contacts
Directed patrols focused on key areas such as Congress Avenue and Republic Square Park, where officers worked closely with businesses and visitors.
Downtown Area Rapid Response Team (DARRT)
The DARRT unit conducts investigative operations focused on organized theft and criminal activity affecting the downtown area.
Recent operations included:
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Bicycle theft investigations, including a bait bike operation resulting in multiple arrests
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Drug dealer investigations through place network enforcement
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Pickpocketing and cellphone theft investigations, including awareness signage for patrons
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Underage drinking enforcement through Operation Fake Out
Mounted Patrol
The Mounted Patrol Unit continues to provide a visible presence downtown and assist with crowd management and community engagement.
Current staffing includes:
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2 Sergeants
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2 Corporals
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10 Officers
Mounted patrol officers regularly conduct directed patrols along:
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Congress Avenue
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Rainey Street
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the Hike-and-Bike Trail
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East Sixth Street
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Republic Square Park
They also assist with community events and regional response efforts, including recent search-and-rescue operations related to flooding in Kerr County.
Red Carpet Service Program
The Downtown Austin Alliance highlighted its Red Carpet Service, a program designed to help property owners and leasing teams showcase downtown spaces to prospective tenants and investors.
Through the program, Downtown Ambassadors provide enhanced cleaning, hospitality support and a welcoming environment for property tours.
Requests can be submitted online through the Downtown Ambassador Service Request portal, and organizers recommend submitting requests at least three business days in advance.
Downtown Homelessness Trends
The forum also reviewed recent data on unsheltered homelessness within the Downtown Public Improvement District (PID).
Recent tracking shows fluctuations in the estimated number of unsheltered individuals downtown, with counts varying month to month as outreach, housing placements and seasonal factors affect conditions.
The Downtown Austin Alliance continues working with city and nonprofit partners to monitor trends and support coordinated outreach efforts.
Upcoming Downtown Events and Conferences
Austin will host several major events this fall that will increase visitation and activity downtown.
September
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VIBE Weekend – East Sixth Street (Sept. 19–20)
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Enrollment Management Association Conference – 1,300 attendees (Sept. 14–21)
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Fantastic Fest – Alamo Drafthouse (Sept. 18–25)
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Pride in Local Music Festival – 3TEN at ACL Live (Sept. 21)
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Austin Museum Day – Various locations (Sept. 21)
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HAAM Benefit Day – Various locations (Sept. 23)
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Banger’s Oktoberfest – Rainey Street (Sept. 25–27)
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LEVITATION Festival – Various locations (Sept. 25–28)
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SailPoint Technologies Conference – Austin Marriott & Fairmont (Sept. 26 – Oct. 2)
October
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ACL Music Festival – Zilker Park (Oct. 3–5 and Oct. 10–12)
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Formula 1 United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas (Oct. 17–19)
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Austin Film Festival – Various locations (Oct. 23–30)
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Austoberfest – Scholz Garten (Oct. 25)
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Viva la Vida Festival – Mexic-Arte Museum (Oct. 25)
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Austin Symphony Halloween Children’s Concert – Long Center (Oct. 26)
Upcoming Meetings
Downtown stakeholders are encouraged to stay engaged with upcoming community meetings and forums.
Issues & Eggs
7:30–9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, October 7
St. David’s Episcopal Church
Downtown Safety Forum
8:30–9:30 a.m.
Thursday, October 16
These meetings provide an opportunity for stakeholders to hear updates, share feedback and stay informed about initiatives impacting Downtown Austin.