In 2019, the Austin City Council approved Resolution 20190620-184 directing the City Manager “to analyze opportunities and recommend additional initiatives for promoting the general public welfare and engaging and assisting individuals experiencing homelessness” by exploring “options with the University of Texas and surrounding areas for opportunities for collaboration including additional safety measures including improved street lighting, emergency call boxes, HALO camera systems, and improved campus safety communication.” 

Since  2019, the more than 35,000 residents in the 78705 zip code (the area surrounding the University of Texas campus) have experienced a 38% increase in aggravated assaults, an 87% increase in burglaries, and a 124% increase in auto thefts.  In addition to the increased crime, vagrancy in West Campus continues despite the city and state ordinances prohibiting the behavior.  The city is failing in their commitment to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and their commitment to promote the general public welfare.

We the undersigned members and friends of the SafeHorns community respectfully request that the Austin City Council and the City Manager complete the initiatives outlined in Resolution 20190620-184 by improving the lighting in West Campus and installing emergency call boxes and HALO camera systems.  We also respectfully request that the City enforce Municipal Code §9-4-11, §9-4-13, §9-4-14 and Tex. Penal Code §48.05.