Austin News

Led by the nonprofit group  “Save Austin Now,” a coalition of organizations and concerned citizens have begun gathering signatures to introduce an ordinance on the November ballot that would reintroduce a ban on homeless camping in Austin, and as they say, restore public safety. The group’s efforts began Feb. 24.

If voters approve in November, the initiative would reinstate the ban on homeless camping all over Austin. It would also restore the sit/lie ordinance in downtown, but extends the ordinance to apply to the University of Texas Austin campus and its surrounding area. The initiative would also ban nighttime panhandling citywide, between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

An online petition started July 17, 2019, has gathered nearly 90,000 signatures. 

“There is absolutely no debate that Austin is less safe under the disastrous homeless camping ordinance that took effect July 1st of last year,” Save Austin Now co-founder Matt Mackowiak told Austin News. “The Mayor and City Council refuse to admit their mistake, so it is up to the citizens to fix their mess."

The campaign hopes to put Austin back to where it was in June, "before Council Member Greg Casar pushed through the homeless camping ordinance without considering the risks posed to public safety, public health, tourism and the image of Austin. In the meantime, worthy public and private efforts will continue to increase housing, shelters, and encampments for homeless individuals in Austin,” Mackowiak said.

The language of the ordinance was drafted by Barry McBee and Donna Davidson, attorneys in Austin. The coalition includes Save Austin Now, the Austin Police Association and SafeHorns, as well as others who are assisting in public and private roles.

“The Austin Police Association is honored to attach our name to the Save Austin Now coalition efforts to reinstate the camping ban,” said Austin Police Association president Ken Casaday . “The taxpaying citizens of Austin were never truly allowed to participate in the process of making changes to the city ordinance. Additionally, the Chief of Police was ignored on this important public safety issue. We believe it’s time for the community to have a say in an ordinance that drastically affects Austinites and our tourism industry.”