Austin's #ReimagineATX Under Attack

I believe that #AustinIsSaferWhen…

• black lives matter
• behavioral health crisis is met with healthcare
• people are housed
• COVID testing, PPE and treatment is accessible
• police don’t brutalize protestors
• no person is illegal or disposable
• rape kits and other evidence is handled by scientists
• police don't assist ICE and tear apart families
• 911 sends the appropriate service when you call
• substance use is treated rather than punished
• people returning home after incarceration can get housing and a job
• investigations of police officers are handled independently
• family violence shelters and prevention services are in place
• black and brown communities are supported, not surveilled
• families hurt by the pandemic receive assistance
• police don’t have military equipment

A majority of Black people in Austin say they do not feel safe around police, and every equity study shows that Austin's police treat West Austin and East Austin differently. Immigrants are afraid to report crimes. Women who report sexual assault are ignored or even treated like suspects. These are the problems that #ReimagineATX is going to address, and I support that work.

I know that Austin is already one of the safest cities in America, but #AustinIsSaferWhen we respect all our communities and address each crisis with an appropriate solution. I know that, despite persistent misinformation, Austin didn’t cut $150 million from the budget or layoff officers. The Austin City Council launched a #ReimagineATX public safety process and took a good first step by moving $21 million from the police budget to fund alternative first responders and services for people in need. If city officials hold to their commitments, #ReimagineATX will make us even safer with each step forward.

I support this process and elected officials that continue to make Austin safer through the #ReimagineATX process.

By signing here I commit to:

• pushing back against efforts to undo these victories; and
• pushing forward to fund more effective emergency response and real solutions for families in crisis to reduce our reliance on policing and punishment.