During the Austin City Council Budget Work Session on July 23, 2025, urgent calls for funding highlighted the critical needs of the community, particularly in mental health and family support services.

The African American Youth Harvest Foundation made a compelling case for the inclusion of the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center in the city’s budget. The center, the only one of its kind in Texas, has exceeded its contracted goals by 100% this year and 300% last year. The foundation's representative emphasized the alarming rise in youth contemplating suicide and the impact of gun violence, urging the council to allocate necessary funds to sustain their operations.

In a parallel discussion, Tanika Brewster advocated for the Austin Family Stabilization Fund, which she credited with helping over 200 families, including her own. Brewster stressed the uniqueness of this fund compared to other programs, arguing that it plays a vital role in supporting underserved families in the city. She urged the council to reinstate the fund in the budget, highlighting its transformative effects on community stability.

Robin Schneider echoed Brewster's sentiments, calling for transparency in the budget, especially regarding cuts to the equity office. She pointed out that the family stabilization fund should be a regular part of the budget to prevent further displacement of working-class families in Austin.

The session also addressed rising fees in the Development Services Department (DSD), with concerns raised about the impact of these increases on housing affordability. Speakers noted that excessive fees and bureaucratic hurdles are counteracting efforts to make housing more attainable, urging the council to mandate cost reductions and service improvements.

As the council continues to deliberate on the budget, the discussions underscored the pressing need for mental health resources and family support, alongside the challenges posed by rising costs in housing and city services. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly shape the future of community support in Austin.