Austin City Council

Police Funding Is a Pivotal Issue in Two Austin City Council Runoffs

Incumbents Jimmy Flannigan and Alison Alter have been targeted by conservative challengers because of the council’s votes to cut police funding and repeal a ban on public camping.

Meg O'Connor Dec 01, 2020

Some Texas Elections Suggest Voters Aren’t Afraid of Defunding Police

None of the Austin City Council members who voted to cut police funding lost their elections, but a police union vice president who fearmongered about the defund movement did.

Meg O'Connor Nov 20, 2020

Austin Cuts Its Police Budget by About A Third

The City Council passed a budget that cut nearly $150 million from the Austin Police Department. Millions will be reinvested in services like violence prevention and supportive housing.

Meg O'Connor Aug 13, 2020

Austin May Cut Police Budget by Nearly $150 Million

The City Council will pass a budget this week that could cut nearly $150 million in funding from the Austin Police Department. The proposal appears to have majority support.

Meg O'Connor Aug 12, 2020

A City Council Resolution Could End Marijuana Arrests and Fines in Austin, Texas

The move is made possible by a Texas law that legalized the production of hemp last year.

Jay Willis Jan 10, 2020

Austin Braces As Texas Officials Plan Crackdown On Homeless Encampments

Last week, the City Council reinstated a “no camping” ordinance meant to discourage people experiencing homelessness from sleeping on sidewalks and outside a shelter. Advocates say the city is criminalizing poverty.

Aaron Morrison Oct 25, 2019

‘We thought it was important to knock down doors’

Lewis Conway Jr., a formerly incarcerated activist running for Austin City Council, sits down with The Appeal.

Sylvia A. Harvey Aug 30, 2018