The Special Called Joint Meeting of the Public Health Committee and the Audit and Finance Committee took place on April 28, 2025, focusing on critical investments and strategies to address homelessness in Austin. The meeting highlighted several key funding proposals and initiatives aimed at enhancing the city's response to homelessness.

The first item discussed was a proposed allocation of $2 million for street outreach, emphasizing the need for continued support of local organizations that engage directly with homeless individuals. This funding aims to improve outreach efforts citywide, ensuring that those in need receive timely assistance.

Next, the committee reviewed a request for $2 million to support community-based emergency shelters. This funding is intended to enhance capacity and facilitate the establishment of new shelter units. Additionally, a proposal for $650,000 was made to bolster the downtown Austin Community Court's rapid rehousing program, which currently assists around 100 clients annually.

The meeting also addressed the importance of evaluating existing interventions to identify gaps and improve effectiveness. A recent solicitation for $2.2 million aimed at homeless prevention was announced, focusing on proactive measures to keep at-risk households housed. The committee stressed the importance of providing case management and support systems to stabilize these households.

Street outreach strategies were a significant focus, with discussions on employing individuals with lived experience in outreach roles. The committee highlighted the need for tailored outreach programs to address the unique needs of various populations, including youth, seniors, and veterans. Technology was also emphasized as a tool for improving service coordination and data management among outreach teams.

Encampment management was another critical topic, with plans to enhance internal staff capacity for timely cleanups and closures. The committee discussed leveraging technology to streamline service requests and improve responsiveness to public calls for service.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and community engagement, including plans to launch a public-facing dashboard to track encampment cleanups and service responsiveness. The committee recognized the need for ongoing collaboration with local landlords to increase housing availability for at-risk individuals and discussed the potential for converting underutilized city properties into engagement hubs or micro shelters.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's proactive approach to addressing homelessness through targeted funding, strategic partnerships, and a focus on data-driven solutions. The committee plans to continue refining these initiatives to ensure effective support for Austin's homeless population.