It’s Time to Move Forward
Public safety is crucial to maintaining the Austin region’s appeal as a place to live, work, and invest. Safety, affordability, and access to amenities fuel our economic growth and attract global talent.
As Austin grows, addressing public safety is vital. Opportunity Austin advocates for responsible law enforcement and solutions to challenges like mental health to keep our community secure.
Learn more about how you can support these efforts here.
What’s already happened:
We supported appointing Police Chief Lisa Davis, whose leadership is key to addressing staffing shortages, response times, and building public trust.
Chief Lisa Davis, Photo: The City of Austin
The City of Austin and the Austin Police Association (the officer’s union) have tentatively agreed to a five-year contract providing pay raises that make Austin competitive with other cities in Texas and fully implementing the voters’ will in the Austin Police Oversight Act.
We rallied stakeholders from around the region, turning out nearly 50 speakers in support of the contract for the council’s October 8th work session.
Tim Caperton, Susser Bank, Opportunity Austin Public Safety Task Force Chair
Where we are now:
Opportunity Austin has gathered a coalition of more than a dozen organizations working towards a shared mission – encouraging residents to ask their council members to support a long-term police contract.
On October 24th, the Austin City Council will vote on this initiative that is critical for the future of public safety. This contract will help fill over 300 vacancies, improve response times, and reduce officer burnout, ensuring a more visible police presence and safer neighborhoods. This is about setting a foundation for a stable and effective APD, allowing us to focus on strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Here are some key things you need to know:
- Austin’s police officers have not been on a long-term contract for two years. Instead, they have been operating under one-year extensions of pay and benefits.
- The city and the Police Association have both tentatively agreed to a contract they believe provides job stability to officers while fully implementing recent demands for oversight and accountability.
- The new police contract gives officers small raises each year for the next five years, totaling 28% in additional compensation.
- Austin currently ranks 6th out of the 8 largest cities in Texas when it comes to new cadet pay. This contract will increase that to second place in the state.
What happens next:
The City Council will vote on October 24th whether to approve the recommended five-year police contract.
Opportunity Austin is committed to fostering greater trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community through outreach, training, and engagement. By building stronger connections between police and residents, we can improve morale, public perception, and overall safety.
Public safety in Austin affects the entire region. As the hub for work and entertainment in Central Texas, ensuring downtown Austin’s safety supports the broader area’s economic growth and quality of life. A safer Austin boosts tourism, business, and talent retention across the region.
How you can help today:
Now is the time to act. The October 24th vote is a pivotal moment for Austin’s public safety future. We urge you to support the contract and Opportunity Austin’s safety initiatives. Together, we can ensure a safer, more prosperous region for everyone.
Show your support by clicking the link below and following the instructions to message all city council members
